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Culture Round-Up: Streaming site where they keep schtum
Ben Hamilton
November 15th, 2019
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DFI launches new platform to share hundreds of century-old silent movies
The Danish Film Institute has launched a new streaming site, but don’t expect new US series or documentaries about killers in our midst.
At stumfilm.dk, the hottest titles on offer are over 100 years old, as the main focus of the site is the ‘golden age’ when Danish silent movies ruled the screens.
Back when DK was big
Actors like Asta Nielsen and Valdemar Psilander, companies including Nordisk Film, and directors such as Carl Theodor Dreyer, were as big back then as any star working in the US today.
But the industry was knocked sideways by two major developments: after WWI, German interest waned considerably, and then the emergence of talkies a decade later changed the industry forever.
Unseen for a century
There will be more than 400 works from 1903-1928 once the restoration has been completed in four years’ time, and all the films are free to download.
The site has been made possible thanks to a joint donation of 30 million kroner from the Augustinus, the Aage and Johanne Louis-Hansen and the AP Møller foundations.
Some of the old reels have not been viewed since the 1920s. In anticipation of the worldwide interest, Stumfilm.dk will also have an English-language version.
Just lie to them, Mary!
Somali-born standup comedian Mahamad Habane handed out some integration advice at the Crown Prince Couple’s Awards in Odense – to Princess Mary herself.Referring to how old Danes were prone to asking him how long he has been here and then complimenting him on his Danish, he said: “You must get that as well. Anyhow, I’ve started lying; I tell them I arrived yesterday.”
Run to the tills
Iron Maiden are headlining Copenhell next year. They have promised “one of their biggest stage shows ever”. In related news, comedians Trevor Noah (May 31) and Gabriel Iglesias (June 1) have confirmed performances at Royal Arena.
Knighthood #2
Danish architect Bjarke Ingels is now a French knight. Following his recent work in France, he received the French Knight’s Order Art et Lettres at the French Embassy last week. Ingels was given a Danish knighthood in 2017.
Artwork removed
A piece of artwork displaying the cartoonish figures of US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in front of Stram Kurs leader Rasmus Paludan will be removed from Kerteminde’s town hall after it was decided it corrupts the neutrality of the building.
Euron ruined everything
Pilou Asbæk has been blamed for ruining ‘Game of Thrones’ in his role as Euron Greyjoy – by a group of fans dressed up as White Walkers, according to his new autobiography, ‘Alting sker på en gang’ (everything happens at once). While women dressed up as Cersei Lannister want to sleep with him.
Denmark wins big two
Denmark won both the Nordic Council prizes for Film – with ‘Dronningen’ (‘Queen of Hearts’) – and Literature prizes. Jonas Eika, the recipient of the latter for his collection of short stories, ‘Efter Solen’, took the opportunity to accuse Mette Frederiksen of racism – just metres from where the Danish PM sat.
Trine nominated
Trine Dyrholm has been nominated for a Best European Actress award at the European Film Awards for her role in ‘Dronnignen’ (‘Queen of Hearts’). The ceremony will take place on December 7 in Berlin. She was previously nominated for ‘Kollektivet’ in 2016, but did not win.
Mary named patron
Crown Princess Mary has been confirmed as the patron of Copenhagen 21, the massive LGBT event in Copenhagen and Malmö that will combine World Pride and the EuroGames from 12-22 August 2021.
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