Coward

1916, young Belgian soldier Emmanuel Macchia arrives at the front full of fighting spirit, determined to prove himself. Behind the lines, he meets Francis (Valentin Campagne), who tries to keep the morale of the troops high with improvised revues. While the war rages on relentlessly, an attraction grows between the two that must remain quiet and unspoken. Together they try, if only for a moment, to escape the reality of war. Na Girl and Close, Lukas Dhont returns with his most international and mature film to date. Opposite the horror of the trenches, he places tenderness and intimacy, brought with restraint yet remarkably powerful. The fragile chemistry between Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne forms the beating heart of the film. Both actors were more than justly awarded the prize for Beste Acteur together at the Cannes Film Festival. Coward opens Film Fest Gent 2026 and is the Belgian submission for the Oscars. One of the ultimate Belgian film releases of the year.