Mubi Secures North American Rights to Lukas Dhont’s Cannes Competition Film ‘Coward’

The global film distributor and streaming service Mubi has officially acquired the North American rights to Lukas Dhont’s latest feature, “Coward.” The deal follows the film’s high-profile debut at the Cannes Film Festival, where it emerged as a standout title in this year’s competition lineup, earning a significant reception from festival audiences.

This acquisition expands Mubi’s existing stake in the project, as the company had previously secured rights for multiple international territories, including the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand.

A New Chapter for Lukas Dhont

“Coward” marks a highly anticipated follow-up for the Belgian filmmaker, whose previous work has consistently garnered international acclaim. His 2022 drama “Close” received an Oscar nomination for best international feature, and his 2018 debut, “Girl,” famously won the Camera d’Or at Cannes. With “Coward,” Dhont continues his exploration of deeply personal narratives set against historically complex backdrops.

Plot and Production Details

Set during the First World War, the film follows Pierre, a soldier who arrives at the front lines with a strong desire to prove himself. His journey takes a turn when he meets Francis, a comrade who organizes theatre performances to boost the morale of their fellow soldiers. The narrative centers on the two men as they navigate the brutal realities of war, seeking moments of humanity and escape amidst the violence.

The film features newcomer Emmanuel Macchia in the lead role of Pierre, with Valentin Campagne appearing as Francis. The production reunites Dhont with his long-standing creative team, including:

• Co-writer: Angelo Tijssens
• Producer: Michiel Dhont
• Cinematographer: Frank van den Eeden
• Production Designer: Eve Martin
• Composer: Valentin Hadjadj
• Editor: Alain Dessauvage
• Sound: Yanna Soentjens

“Coward” is a collaborative production involving The Reunion, Lumen, Topkapi Films, and Versus (Opus), with co-production support from France 2 Cinéma, VTM, RTBF, Proximus, BeTV, and Orange.

Mubi’s Growing Arthouse Footprint

The acquisition of “Coward” underscores Mubi’s strategy of championing auteur-driven cinema on a global scale. The company continues to bolster its platform with prestigious festival selections. In addition to the Dhont film, Mubi’s current Cannes slate includes several other notable titles, such as “Minotaur,” “Fatherland,” “Hope,” and “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.”

Key Takeaways

• Expanded Reach: Mubi now holds both international and North American rights to “Coward,” ensuring a wide release for the film.
• Creative Continuity: The film reunites the core team behind Dhont’s previous award-winning features, “Girl” and “Close.”
• Festival Buzz: “Coward” remains one of the most discussed projects from the current Cannes competition cycle.

As Mubi continues to integrate these acquisitions into its streaming service and theatrical distribution network, audiences can expect “Coward” to play a central role in the platform’s upcoming programming. The film’s journey from the Cannes competition to broader distribution signals a continued commitment to bringing high-caliber international cinema to a global subscriber base.