In Coward, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, Dhont sends us back one century ago, plunging us into the trenches of World War I. On the Western Front, a platoon of young Belgian soldiers joins the ranks of the foot soldiers fighting the Germans in the mud and dread. Among them is Pierre (Emmanuel Macchia), a tall farmer of few words who soon witnesses the atrocities of the battlefield. When away from the front, the soldiers find respite in the extravagant performances of a cabaret troupe led by the dainty son of a tailor, Francis (Valentin Campagne). His delicate appearance and his imaginative singing and dancing casts a spell on dreamy-eyed Pierre, who feels an intimate connection that he dares not speak about.
In his most ambitious and audacious work to date, Lukas Dhont uses the dramatic landscape and circumstances of history to interrogate his characters (and his audiences) on the price they would pay to be themselves. Coward’s two Cannes-awarded, bedazzling leads (Macchia and Campagne) make it all the more captivating, and Dhont's engrossing storytelling, stunning images and empowering messaging are a fitting finale to close NZIFF 2026. – Paolo Bertolin
“Gracefully finding love in the most hopeless of places, the Belgian director's third feature finds fertile new ground for his interest in imperilled queer identity and masculinity in crisis.” – Guy Lodge, Variety
Explore the full programme at nziff.co.nz.
Proudly part of the Auckland Council whānau
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Make a night of it in the Aotea Arts Quarter. Aotea Square, Auckland Town Hall, Q Theatre and plenty of nearby dining options are all within a short walk of The Civic.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
The Civic is on the corner of Queen and Wellesley Streets in the city centre. Te Waihorotiu Station is right nearby, making the train an easy option, while frequent bus services stop along Queen and Wellesley Streets. If driving, The Civic Car Park beneath Aotea Square is the closest parking option. For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
