Champagne

When Maarten (Leo Alkemade) learns that his father Hans (Huub Stapel) is terminally ill, he decides to take him on a trip to the Champagne region. The highlight of their journey is the little train that runs through the wine cellars of Épernay—an ultimate destination that, for Hans, who enjoys a good drink, feels like a kind of journey to heaven. Maarten’s wife Loes (Jennifer Hoffman) and his mother Sophie (Beppie Melissen) wave the two men off. They set out full of optimism, only to realize after just a few streets that they are probably the least suitable father and son ever for this bonding trip. While conversations in the car are strained, they find common ground mainly during culinary indulgences at local restaurants. Old patterns continue to haunt them, but it is precisely the small, unexpected moments that bring the two closer together.

Special guest Leo Alkemade will be present on Wednesday, April 1 for a Q&A session. He will talk about the filmmaking process and how the film came to life.