Film screening - When Giants Die - Introduction by director Jan Vromman

Three recent European films engage with a (European) past in highly diverse ways. Like the photographic exhibition, this film series explores different types of involvement with a past and the various motivations and intentions behind them. 

Before the screening of each film, join us at 18.15 for a 45 minute guided tour in English of Presence of the Past, uncovering how Europeans engage with the past in highly diverse ways, from commemorating historical events to participating in re-enactments, from taking tourist selfies to destroying monuments.

”When Giants Die” (2022) tells an intimate story of the artistic Vromman family. Three generations look back on parades, processions, traditional celebrations such as carnival and other manifestations in which Flemish and Belgian historical events are commemorated. Belgian film director Jan Vromman has a vivid memory of his uncle, Frans Vromman, a traditional procession builder from Bruges. In his documentary the director is clearly fascinated by processions and parades. There is criticism and attraction. Jan Vromman’s son, Cesar, is looking for more social and political community in contemporary forms of manifestations and demonstrations. He is reclaiming the street, ‘as mother of democracy’.

This film will be introduced by the director Jan Vromman and will be followed by a Q&A. Entrance to the screening is free - registration in advance is mandatory.