Date
17 September 2025, 18.15-21.00 (CEST)
Location
House of European History, Rue Belliard/straat 135, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

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.

Large monster puppet in street parade

When Giants Die (2022) - Director: Jan Vromman (NL with EN subtitles)

”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.

Register for guided tour (18.15 - 19.00)

Register for film screening with director (19.00 - 21h00)

A magnificent documentary about a Flemish tradition that was in danger of falling into oblivion.