When food enters the frame
In 2006, Yves Cousin contributed to the culinary production of Crusade in Jeans, Ben Sombogaart’s historical adventure film adapted from Thea Beckman’s novel.
The story follows Dolf, a teenager sent back to the year 1212 by a time machine. He joins a children’s crusade travelling towards Jerusalem. In this medieval world, food, tableware and the abundance of a feast shape the atmosphere alongside costume and scenery.
A table designed for the camera
The archive photographs reveal a long outdoor table designed to be viewed from several angles. Game, poultry, fish, fruit, bread, dishes and serving pieces create a rich, spectacular image.
For the caterer, the task goes beyond preparing food: it means building a credible scene, balancing volume and colour, anticipating the camera’s gaze and maintaining a coherent historical setting.
Costumed performers and crew members around the table convey the work taking place behind the scenes. Here, food becomes part of the storytelling.
From set to screen
Released in Belgium and the Netherlands on 15 November 2006, Crusade in Jeans went on to reach international audiences. Preserved in the Dill d’Ycov archive, these photographs document a remarkable meeting of historical gastronomy and cinema.
