Koen De Bouw Stars with Son Jolan in Prestige Series ‘Breendonk

Breendonk: Father and son Actors Explore WWII Collaboration and Resistance

A new past drama, Breendonk, delves into the harrowing experiences within the walls of the Breendonk prison camp during World War II. This series features Koen de Bouw and his son, Jolan de Bouw, exploring themes of resistance, survival, and betrayal under Nazi occupation.

A Family Affair: acting and Directing Talent Converge

Breendonk not only stars Koen and Jolan de Bouw but is also co-directed and co-written by Filip Lenaerts (Tytgat Chocolat). Jolan, known for his modeling career and recent acting debut in the short film Until I come back (2021) alongside Anne-Laure Vandeputte and Kevin Janssens, takes on a leading role in this gripping narrative.

Love, War, and impractical Choices

The series centers around Elisabeth (Anne-Laure Vandeputte) and Rik (Jolan de Bouw). As war erupts, their paths diverge dramatically. Elisabeth joins the resistance movement, while Rik seeks escape with his beloved.their separation after a failed resistance action sets the stage for a desperate struggle for survival.

Rik and his father, Leon (Koen de Bouw), find themselves imprisoned in Breendonk, a notorious SS prison. Flemish guards relentlessly try to crush the resistance. Survival becomes a daily battle against inhumane conditions and moral compromise.

Koen and Jolan de Bouw with Kevin Janssens and anne-Laure Vandeputte. © Charlie De Keersmaeker

A Pact with the Devil: Survival at Any Cost?

To survive the horrors of Breendonk, Rik and Leon make a dangerous pact with Vaes (Kevin janssens), a Flemish SS guard who claims remorse for his collaboration. Vaes seemingly offers a lifeline, but his true allegiance is shrouded in secrecy. He is secretly passing details to the SS, leading to a dangerous game of deception and betrayal.

The lives of Elisabeth, Rik, and Vaes become inextricably linked in a web of deception. As the war intensifies, alliances shift, and the question of who can be trusted looms large. Who will protect whom? Who will betray whom? And who will ultimately survive the living hell of Breendonk?

Anna-Laure Vandeputte and Jolan de Bouw. © Ilias van Bambost

actors’ Perspectives: Unveiling a Forgotten History

Koen de Bouw expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It is indeed a fascinating period in our history. Strangely enough, anything has never been made around Breendonk, so I am glad that a light can finally shine on it.” He also shared his professional expectations for his son: “But when I work with him,during the recordings I just expect the same as from other colleagues: hard work,knowing your text,taking good care of yourself. That now also sounds like paternal council, and it is.But actually that is no different than what I expect from my colleagues and they of me.”

“My father is very experienced, so I know I can go to him if something pops up. Very nice to have that confidence.” – Jolan de Bouw,Actor

Jolan de Bouw shared his excitement about the opportunity,stating,”I was really looking forward to this,as it is indeed a project that we have been working on for a while. I am very happy that I get the confidence to immediately play a leading role and that I get the chance to show myself and discover myself.And of course: “My father is very experienced, so I know I can go to him if something pops up. Very nice to have that confidence.”

Kevin Janssens on the set of ‘Breendonk’. © charlie De Keersmaeker

Bringing a Forgotten Chapter to Life

Filip Lenaerts and Kevin Janssens emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Met Breendonk We want to bring a forgotten chapter from Flemish history to life. “The horror that took place there happened close and yet we know so little about it.This fictional story is inspired by the real experiences of prisoners: distressing choices between resistance or survival, between morality and fear.”

Historical Context and Modern Relevance

Breendonk, located near Mechelen, Belgium, served as a transit camp for Jews, political prisoners, and members of the resistance during the Nazi occupation. The camp was notorious for its brutal conditions and the cruelty of its guards. Bringing this history to light through a dramatic series is crucial for understanding the complexities of collaboration and resistance during wartime. The series also provides a fresh perspective on worldwide themes of resilience, moral ambiguity, and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The actors have thoroughly continued the scenario in recent weeks. © Ilias van Bambost

Conclusion: A story of Courage and Compromise

Breendonk promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking series that sheds light on a dark chapter of history. With a talented cast and crew, the series explores the complexities of human behavior under extreme pressure. Don’t miss this importent and gripping drama. Explore other historical dramas to learn more about World War II and its impact, and discuss these themes with friends and family to keep the lessons of history alive.

What are teh ethical considerations of portraying sensitive ancient events like those depicted in “Breendonk”?

breendonk’s Jolan de Bouw on WWII Drama, Family, and Facing History

Archyde’s resident history expert, Dr.Amelia Stone, recently sat down with Jolan de Bouw, star of the new historical drama breendonk, to discuss the series, its themes, and working alongside his father, Koen de Bouw. Breendonk explores the harrowing experiences within the infamous WWII prison camp and the complex moral choices prisoners faced.

Stepping into History: Q&A with Jolan de Bouw

Dr. Stone: Jolan, thank you for taking the time to speak with Archyde. Breendonk is a very powerful story.What was it about this project that drew you in and made you want to take on the role of Rik?

Jolan de Bouw: Thank *you* for having me. The story itself was incredibly compelling. To portray someone facing such impractical choices in Breendonk,a place steeped in such a dark history,was a challenge I couldn’t refuse. Also, the prospect to explore themes of resistance, survival, and the moral compromises people made during WWII was something I felt a responsibility to explore.

Working with Family in ‘Breendonk’

Dr.Stone: You share the screen with your father, Koen de Bouw, who also plays a pivotal role. What was it like working alongside him on such an intense project?

Jolan de Bouw: It was an invaluable experience. Having my father there was definitely a comfort. He brings so much experience to the set, and knowing I could rely on him for advice and support was incredibly reassuring, especially with the weight of the subject matter. of course, on set, we treated each other as professionals first and foremost, but the underlying trust was always there.

The Weight of History: Portraying WWII Realities

dr. Stone:breendonk delves into some very dark and difficult themes. How did you prepare yourself emotionally and mentally to accurately portray the realities faced by prisoners in Breendonk?

Jolan de Bouw: A lot of research. I read extensively about Breendonk and the experiences of those who were imprisoned there. We also consulted with historians to ensure we were portraying the realities as accurately as possible. The aim was to treat the subject matter with the respect and gravity it deserved. It was emotionally draining at times, but the importance of telling this story kept us all motivated.

Love, War, and Moral Ambiguity: The Heart of ‘Breendonk’

Dr.Stone: The series also explores the impact of war on relationships, particularly the bond between Rik and Elisabeth. How does their love story contribute to the larger narrative of resistance and survival?

Jolan de Bouw: Their relationship really highlights the human cost of war. Rik and Elisabeth’s love is tested to its limits by the circumstances they encounter.their separation and subsequent struggles really emphasize the desperation and the difficult choices people were forced to make just to survive. It adds a very personal and emotional layer to the historical context.

A Thought-Provoking Finale?

Dr. Stone: Without giving away any spoilers, what lasting impression do you hope Breendonk will leave on its audience? What key question do you want them to ponder after watching?

Jolan de Bouw: I hope it sparks a conversation about the importance of remembering that past, even the uncomfortable parts of it. Breendonk forces us to confront the complexities of collaboration and resistance, and the difficult choices people face when their lives are on the line. Ultimately, I hope it encourages viewers to examine their own moral compass and ask themselves: what would I do in such circumstances? And how can we prevent such atrocities from ever happening again?

What are your thoughts on the responsibilities of historical dramas? Share your comments below!