Centre of Ghent hosts Hollywood film shoot next week

The bridge, which has a magnificent view of the city’s famous three towers and of the Leie canal flanked by the Graslei and Korenlei, was actually built in the early 20th century. All modern trappings on the bridge and surroundings are being camouflaged for the shoot.

Most of Emperor, starring Adrien Brody (The Pianist, The Grand Budapest Hotel) as Charles V, who was born in Ghent, is being shot in the Czech Republic. About 10% of it, including the spectacular opening scenes, are being shot in Ghent.

The Sint-Michiels bridge is already closed to cars but will also be closed to public transport, cyclists and foot traffic next week from Monday evening to Friday afternoon. Other scenes will be shot at the Gravensteen castle and at the nearby Drongen abbey.

New Zealand director Lee Tamahori (Once Were Warriors) will be in Ghent the entire week, as will all the film’s lead actors, including Brody and British actor Sophie Cookson, who plays Charles’ mother, Joanna.

Originally, the Ghent shoot was scheduled for October but was moved up to this month. “I’m extremely happy about this production,” said mayor Daniël Termont. “This film will introduce Ghent to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.”

Photo: View from Sint-Michiels bridge