Still: Coward - Lukas Dhont

Coward**, directed by Lukas Dhont, has been selected for the Official Competition. The film is co-produced by Dutch production company Topkapi Films. For Dhont, this marks his third feature film to be selected for Cannes’ official selection.

Coward tells the story of Pierre, a young Belgian soldier determined to prove himself on the battlefield during the First World War. Behind the frontlines, he meets Francis, who is tasked with boosting morale among the troops.

In Cannes Critics’ Week selection, The Station** by Yemeni-Scottish filmmaker Sara Ishaq—who is based in the Netherlands—will have its premiere. The film is co-produced by Keplerfilm.

Set in war-torn Yemen, The Station follows Layal, who seeks refuge in a women’s fuel station while trying to protect her younger brother amid mounting societal pressures. When her estranged sister reappears with a proposition, fragile family bonds are put to the test.

Double Freedom, the new film by Lisandro Alonso, has been selected for the Quinzaine des Cinéastes. It is co-produced by Fortuna Films (Ilse Hughan).

The film follows Misael, an independent logger living in the woods and enjoying his solitary freedom. When he is forced to care for his older sister, his peaceful existence is disrupted and the foundations of his carefully constructed life begin to fall apart.

The selection further highlights the long-standing collaboration between Alonso and Argentina-based Dutch producer Ilse Hughan. Back in 2023, Hughan spoke to SEE NL’s Geoffrey Macnab about their more than 20-year partnership, following the Cannes premiere of Eureka.

The 2026 edition of Cannes is set to take place on May 12 to 23.

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*Film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund
**Film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund and Production Incentive