A bodybuilder in search for love in Thailand, an undercover filmmaker in search for truth in Liberia, a politician becoming the first female prime minister in Denmark and a gay couple on the verge of self-destruction in New York. The story lines and locations are widely different, but Teddy Bear, The Ambassador and Borgen/The Government are all Danish productions, and Keep the Lights On is starring two of the most talented and acclaimed Danish actors, Thure Lindhardt and Paprika Steen.
Many of the films have been screened in the US earlier this year at film festivals such as New Directors/New Films and Tribeca Film Festival in New York to wide acclaim. The tv-series Borgen has quickly become one of the most noted Danish television series internationally, and in the U.S., it is being called "the best political show ever". Now, everyone will have the chance to enjoy a little Denmark on the screen.
Teddy Bear38-year-old bodybuilder Dennis (Kim Kold) would really like to find true love. He has never had a girlfriend and lives alone with his mother in a suburb of Copenhagen. When his uncle returns from Thailand with a Thai wife, Dennis decides to try his own luck on a trip to Pattaya. But it does not take long before the intrusive Thai girls give big bruises to Dennis' naive picture of what love should be like, and he is about to lose hope when he unexpectedly meets the Thai woman of his dreams.
Teddy Bear won the Directing Award at Sundance Film Festival and was part of the official selection at the New Director/New Films festival in New York.When: August 22 to September 4Where: Film Forum, 209 West Houston Street (West of 6th Avenue), New York.Language: Danish with English subtitles.TRAILER
The AmbassadorDanish director and journalist Mads Brügger (Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner RED CHAPEL) rips the lid off a scheme of political corruption and exploitation happening in a Central African Republic. Armed with a phalanx of hidden cameras, black-market diplomatic credentials and a bleeding-edge wit, Brügger immerses himself in the life-threatening underworld of nefarious bureaucrats. He encounters blood diamond smuggling, bribery, and even murder in the film - while somehow managing to crack amazing razor-sharp barbs at every step along the way.
The Ambassador was the opening film at the prestigious International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), a part of the official selection at Sundance Film Festival and shown at the New Directors/New Films festival as well.Premiere: August 29Where: The IFC Center, 323, 6th Avenue, New York.Language: Danish, English, French with English subtitles.TRAILER
Keep the Lights OnDocumentary filmmaker Erik (Thure Lindhardt) and closeted lawyer Paul (Zachary Booth, Damages) meet through a casual encounter, but soon find a deeper connection and become a couple. Individually and together, they are risk takers – compulsive, and fueled by drugs and sex. In an almost decade-long relationship defined by highs, lows, and dysfunctional patterns, Erik struggles to negotiate his own boundaries and dignity while being true to himself.
Keep the Lights On won the Teddy Award at Berlin International Film Festival and was part of the official selections at Sundance and Tribeca Film Festival.Premiere: September 7Where: Selected CinemasLanguage: EnglishTRAILER
BorgenPolitical power cannot be won without sacrifice. Birgitte Nyborg (Sidse Babett Knudsen) wins a landslide victory for her party, becoming the new Danish Prime Minister, but how far is she willing to go to gain influence? Can she succeed professionally, continue to lead a happy family life, and stay true to herself? An award-winning Danish drama series about the fight for political power and the personal consequences for everyone involved.
The first season is available on LINK TV and the opening of the second season is a well-timed lead-up and perspective to the upcoming presidential election in the United States in November. Both seasons will be screened in Scandinavia House in New York during the fall.When: September 26 through December 7Where: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave @ 38th Street, New York and LINK TVLanguage: Danish with English subtitles.TRAILER