Film Fest Gent opens 53rd edition with 'Coward'

Tonight, Lukas Dhont kicked off Film Fest Gent for the third time with Coward, his third feature film. Coward follows young soldiers trying to keep their spirits up in the trenches during the First World War. Pierre (marking Emmanuel Macchia’s acting debut) arrives at the front as a new recruit, driven to prove himself in battle. Behind the lines, he meets Francis (Valentin Campagne), who attempts to boost troop morale with improvised shows. As the war rages on relentlessly, both men try to escape reality, if only for a moment. The film is particularly notable for the vulnerable yet powerful performances of Macchia and Campagne. The chemistry between the two lights up the screen, lending the film a lighter, more tender tone than is typical of classic war movies. Indeed, they shared the prestigious Best Actor award at Cannes. All screenings of Coward at Film Fest Gent are sold out.

Over the next eleven days, Ghent will serve as a festive gathering place for film lovers, filmmakers, students, the press, composers, and anyone who holds the seventh art in high regard. This year, Film Fest Gent presents a lineup of over 100 feature films, 40 short films, 2 VR projects, and 23 documentaries from 49 different countries. The program also features a host of inspiring talks, workshops, and a meet-and-greet. From promising debut films to multi-award winners, the films on the program share one thing in common: they demonstrate that in these uncertain times, art is more important than ever.