'The Promised Land', also chosen for the main competition at the Venice Film Festival, is inspired by Ida Jessen’s 2020 bestseller novel 'The Captain and Ann Barbara' and stars the renowned Mads Mikkelsen in the lead role.
In 1755, the impoverished Captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to conquer the harsh, uninhabitable Danish heath with a seemingly impossible goal; to build a colony in the name of the King. In exchange, he'll receive a desperately desired Royal name for himself. But the sole ruler of the area, the merciless Frederik de Schinkel, arrogantly believes this land belongs to him. When de Schinkel learns that the maid Ann Barbara and her serve husband have escaped for refuge with Kahlen, the privileged and spiteful ruler swears revenge, doing everything in his power to drive the captain away. Kahlen will not be intimidated and takes up the unequal battle - not only risking his life but also the family of outsiders that has formed around him.
The film is produced by Louise Vesth for Zentropa and has received financial backing notably from the Danish Film Institute.
Together 99
Lukas Moodysson's Swedish-Danish feature 'Together 99' will also be featured in the ‘Special Presentations’ programme. The film is a sequel to Moodysson's 2000's 'Together', which chronicled life in a 1975 commune. Fast-forwarding to 1999, the commune has now dwindled to the world’s smallest, with just two solitary members. Feeling a touch of loneliness, they decide to organize a summer gathering. The sequel, co-produced by Zentropa, reintroduces the original cast and introduces David Dencik. The film has received co-production funding from the Danish Film Institute.