Aarhus University

The church as a social caretaker became less common throughout the 20th century as the Nordic welfare state increasingly took over this task. Churches which engage in social activities are arguably reclaiming this role, such as the increasing number of churches in the Danish People’s Church engaging in intercultural activities. These local activities often counter national political anti-immigration sentiment and the tendency to make the welfare state inaccessible to outsiders. They also exemplify the challenges facing the modern church: the need to reflect local conditions on the one hand and the state on the other.

Danish director Søren Kragh-Jacobsen’s films often take children’s point of view in depictions of authentic, historical drama. He has contributed to many successful Danish TV series.

Danish director Thomas Vinterberg is best known for his domestic and international breakthrough with the first ‘Dogme 95’ film, Festen (The Celebration, 1998). Later films include Submarino (2018) and Jagten (The Hunt, 2012).

Popular Danish actor Ib Schønberg played a rich variety of characters, from frivolous to more profound roles.

Danish director Lone Scherfig went on to international acclaim following her breakthrough with the Dogme 95 film Italian for Beginners.

Poul Reumert was a famous Danish theatre actor who also appeared in silent movies such as Afgrunden (The Abyss, 1910) opposite Asta Nielsen.

Throughout his longstanding career, Danish actor Poul Reichhardt had broad appeal with his good looks, smooth singing voice, and comic talent.

Danish comedic actor Dirch Passer became hugely popular for his slapstick humour and play with words.

The prolific Danish theatre and film actress Ghita Nørby is famous both for her lighter roles in film and theatre as a young actress and for her psychological character portraits in later years.

Danish director Nils Malmros is known for his authentic depictions of the immediate environment of especially children and young adults. His aptitude for capturing the precise tone of language and physical surroundings according to his own recollection is noteworthy.