Image: Martin Pieter Zandvliet (right) with his leading lady Paprika Steen
Applause, the impressive debut feature from Danish director Martin Pieter Zandvliet, tells the story of Thea, an acclaimed actress attempting to reconnect with her two young sons whilst recovering from alcoholism. Atmospherically shot and admirably economical in its storytelling, the film is anchored by a stunning lead performance from veteran actress Paprika Steen (Festen, Open Hearts, The Idiots). We caught up ...
Paprika Steen is a true artist. When she arrives for our
meeting, she brings a creative energy that makes me think ‘this is what
early-mid 1900s Hollywood movie stars must have radiated...’
She talks passionately about her craft. Paprika combines
acting and directing and loves both forms of creativity. She speaks Danish,
Swedish, English, French and Russian and has the world as her workplace. You
get the picture – this is a true movie star!
“The most important thing is i...
One real gem at the festival is the tea ceremony. A few afternoons, members of the press gather with filmmakers and actors to chat and have tea. It's a very inspiring and just lovely event and a great opportunity to meet in a more relaxed setting.
Today I had the pleasure to indulge in scones and tea with Danish filmmaker Martin Pieter Zandvliet. His film "Applause" is a dark, heartfelt, but also hopeful story about a mother who is recovering from alcoholism and desperat...
Female Faces in Film Story and photo by MICHELLE PASTER, AFI Daily News Magazine Editor Female filmmakers have a strong presence at AFI FEST this year. In two films, JELLYFISH, from Israel, and WITH YOUR PERMISSION, from Denmark, the female filmmakers' sensibilities impact character development and choice. Though the directors come from different cultures, the ties that bind their films are family, personal relationships, and love or the lack of it. In writer/director Shira Gefen's JE...
Friday, October 12-----------The Danes are coming, the Danes are coming!!!! Following impressive line-ups in previous years, Danish cinema once again has a strong and diverse presence at The Times bfi 51st London Film Festival 2007. Seven films have been selected as part of this year’s program, including four features, two animated shorts for younger audiences, and one short film. Denmark ’s world-renowned production company Zentropa Films (which launced the Dogme revolution and produced t...
