Flemish film director Lukas Dhont and the Brussels Army Museum are joining forces for a temporary exhibition. From 7 November, visitors will be able to discover which historical sources and museum collections form the basis of ‘Coward’, Dhont’s latest film about the First World War.
‘Coward’ premiered in Belgian cinemas on 21 October and has already attracted considerable international attention. The film won awards and was enthusiastically received at Cannes, received rave reviews in both domestic and international media, and was selected as Belgium’s entry for the Oscars.
In the film, Dhont approaches the First World War in a unique way. Alongside the violence and destruction, he emphasises beauty, art and the love between two soldiers at the front. He also highlights aspects of ‘the Great War’ that have been forgotten over the years.
For the film, Dhont worked closely with experts and historians, including staff from the Brussels Army Museum. This collaboration continues in the ‘14–’18’ gallery at the museum in the Jubel Park.
From 7 November onwards, a pop-up exhibition will showcase costumes, props, archive footage and clips from the film. This will give visitors an insight into how historical sources and museum collections were brought to life on the silver screen. The exhibition also places the film within a broader historical context.