Belgian actress Emilie Dequenne, celebrated for her roles in Rosetta, The Girl on the Train, and The Missing, has passed away aged 43.

Her agent confirmed the news to the PA news agency, revealing that Dequenne had been living with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)—an aggressive form of cancer affecting the adrenal gland—since October 2023.

Emilie Dequenne, from Cannes triumph to International recognition

Dequenne first captured global attention at just 18, when she co-starred in the Palme d’Or-winning film Rosetta (1999). Her portrayal of a young girl grappling with schizophrenia, while desperately trying to keep her job, earned her the Cannes Film Festival’s Best Actress Award. The actress famously broke down in tears upon receiving the honour for what was her debut film role.

Her talent extended well beyond the big screen. On television, British audiences came to know her as Laurence Relaud in the anthology drama The Missing, acting alongside James Nesbitt in the story of a family holiday that takes a tragic turn. She also featured in notable films like the horror/action hit Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), the 2009 drama The Girl on the Train, and 2012’s Our Children. More recently, she played Sophie in the 2022 coming-of-age film Close.

Emilie Dequenne’s enduring legacy in European cinema

Dequenne’s work left a profound mark on both French-language and international film. In addition to her Cannes success, she took on roles that highlighted her range—from a sound recordist dealing with her mother’s murder in Ecoute Le Temps, to her compelling performance in The Girl on the Train, where her character fabricates a shocking, racially motivated attack. Fans and colleagues alike remember her as a dedicated performer who brought depth and authenticity to every role.

She is survived by her loved ones, and her passing leaves a noticeable gap in the world of European cinema. While tributes pour in, many reflect on how her early triumph at Cannes paved the way for a career filled with memorable characters and moving performances.

Stay tuned with Euro weekly news for more news about Belgium

Foot-tapping madness coming up as The Blue Stompers Jump Review returns to the Clarence Jazz Club on Friday, March 21, for a night of soul-stirring blues and boogie-woogie. 

This multinational band, a pillar of the Costa del Sol music scene, will take the stage at 10pm, promising an electrifying mix of Afro-American blues, 1940s New Orleans jazz, and raw R&B.

Formed in 2014, The Blue Stompers feature London-born frontman Paul Stylianou on vocals and harmonica, Finnish bassist Markus Duus, and Fuengirola’s own guitar legend Víctor ‘Elmore’ Sánchez. Their sound – a reverberating blend of northern European precision and Mediterranean flair, has earned them a loyal following. Fresh off their latest EP Never Give Up!, the band is set to deliver classics and originals with their signature rhythmic power.

Tickets start at €10, with premium seats at €15. Clarence Jazz Club is at Calle Danza Invisible 8, offering up a cool and intimate recipe, perfect for a toe-tapping night of jazz and blues. Doors open at 9.30pm. Don’t miss this chance to see one of Málaga’s shining musical gems live.

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A long-standing territorial dispute over 6.72 hectares of the Reserva del Higuerón has reignited the question: does this coveted land belong to Fuengirola or Benalmadena? 

Andalusia’s Regional Government’s Council of Ministers has now ruled against Fuengirola’s bid to annex the land, confirming that it remains part of Benalmadena’s council boundaries.

The contested zone, home to some 89 residents across 50 properties, lies within the lush Reserva del Higuerón, a region prized for its scenic beauty and strategic commuter location near the A-7 Mediterranean Motorway. Fuengirola argued they have managed the area’s urban planning, census, and taxes since its 1964 General Urban Development Plan, claiming historical oversight, but which leaves the land’s ownership unclear. Fuengirola, with its dense population of 82,837 squeezed into just 1,036 hectares, sought the extra space to ease growth pressures.

Benalmadena, however, has argued fiercely, asserting the land’s integration into its urban fabric. With infrastructure such as roads and services already in place, Benalmadena has disputed that Fuengirola’s claim disrupts sustainable development. Residents, they say, enjoy schools, shops, and amenities within two kilometres, or six if annexed by Fuengirola.

The Junta’s decision upholds an 1874 boundary agreement, dismissing Fuengirola’s appeal. Though Fuengirola can still pursue a legal challenge, for now, El Higuerón stays firmly inside the boundaries of Benalmadena. Locals on both sides await the next chapter in this municipal tug-of-war.