The two features "Aching Hearts" and "Original" have been selected for the official Jin Jue competition, and "The Blessing" will be showcased in the Panorama Section at the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival (13-21 June).Bringing out a sequel after 27 years
"Aching Hearts" is directed by one of Danish cinema's major auteurs, Nils Malmros. Set in the early 1960s, the story revolves around the high school sweethearts Jonas and Agnete, their friendships and families, trials and tribulations. The film is partly authentic, building on Malmros' own experiences from his teen years, and is a sequel to the director's seminal work 27 years ago, "The Tree of Knowledge". Shanghai marks the films international premiere. Produced by Thomas Heinesen for Nordisk Film. Off-beat comedy by Scandinavian duo
"Original" is helmed by first-time feature film directors Alexander Brøndsted and Antonio Tublén. The Danish-Swedish duo's off-beat comedy unfolds in the eccentric world of Henry, a burdened young man struggling to break free from everyone’s expectations. "Original" will be enjoying its Asian premiere in Shanghai. Produced by Carsten Holst for Zentropa.
Feature debut in Panorama
Heidi Maria Faisst's drama "The Blessing" will be showcased in the International Panorama section. Faisst, who wrote and directed the two strong short films "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (2006) and "Frederikke" (2007), once again investigates the difficult relationships between mothers and daughters in "The Blessing" about the young woman Katrine, who falls into postpartum depression after giving birth to her first child. Asian premiere. Produced by Meta Louise Foldager for Zentropa.
For further information:The 12th Shanghai International Film Festival (13-21 June)DFI factsheets
Aching Hearts/ Kærestesorger
Original/ Original
The Blessing/ Velsignelsen
Articles in FILM#65 (feb 2009) on Nils Malmros
You're not really in love until you're unhappily in love
Painting the landscape of Memory
Interview with Heidi Maria Faisst in FILM#65 (feb 2009)
Mothers & Daughters
Material on "Original" from Tribeca
Q&A (Tribeca Film Festival)
Tribeca '09 Interview (indieWIRE)
Movie: "Original" (T-Recs)Danish Film Institute
Christian Juhl Lemche, +45 3374 3464, cell +45 2148 8522, christianjl@dfi.dk
Lizette Gram Mygind, +45 3374 3506, cell +45 2482 3758, lizetteg@dfi.dk