While Danish cinema has its roots in the late 19th century, it wasn’t until the establishment of Nordisk Film in 1906 (The world’s oldest continuously operating film production company) that the country really started going. They became significant players in silent film, producing the likes of Carl Th. Dreyer, August Blom and Benjamin Christensen. Dreyer would become one of the most acclaimed filmmakers ever (Albeit often making his silent films in Germany), while Christensen’s Haxan remains a celebrated folk horror staple.

Danish cinema would decline post-World War II, thanks to Hollywood dominance, the rise of TV and stronger local rivals. There were some brighter sparks, like Erik Balling and his Olsen-banden film series, but in general it took until the 80s and 90s for Danish cinema to get reinjected with life, and this life came in the form of Lars von Trier and Dogme 95 (co-founded with Thomas Vinterberg. This movement emphasised story, acting and theme over gimmicks and would have a significant impact on international cinema as well as birthing a new cinematic generation in Denmark.

That generation remains strong. Susanne Bier, Nicolas Winding Refn, Thomas Vinterberg, and Lars von Trier have all been regulars in the film festival circuit since the 1990s, regularly winning major awards.