As sharp and ruthless as the family dynamic that powers its plot, film-classic Festen blends tragedy and comedy to brilliant effect.
This film will be preceded by an introduction.
Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama
Language: Danish, subtitles: English
Length: 1 h 41 mins.
At a party celebrating the sixtieth birthday of the family patriarch, his son reveals a shocking secret that completely shatters the façade of an apparently perfect family. Festen won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1998 and is still considered a masterpiece of modern cinema. With intense performances and a gripping atmosphere, this film is an emotional rollercoaster that confronts the viewer with themes such as shame, guilt, and forgiveness.
But Festen is not just powerful in content, it’s also groundbreaking in form. It was the very first film made according to the Dogma 95 principles, a filmmaking movement founded by director Thomas Vinterberg together with fellow director Lars von Trier. And what exactly are those principles? You’ll find out from film teacher Twan Arts, who will give a short introduction before the screening.
Awards
The film earned international acclaim, winning the prestigious Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and receiving a nomination for the Palme d’Or. It was also nominated for Best Motion Picture, Foreign Language at the Golden Globes and Best Film Not in the English Language at the BAFTAs.
Reviews
“Though it dedicates itself to avoiding directorial egotism, in accordance with strict rules of the Danish filmmakers' collective known as Dogma 95, Thomas Vinterberg's Celebration is still a virtuoso feat.” The New York Times
“This Danish film is an alternately funny and harrowing look at a family crisis, a meltdown that blends the needs of the truthsayers with the instincts of the let's-bury-our-heads-in-the-sand-and-pretend-none-of-this-is-happening types.” Austin Chronicle
“The Celebration rips apart the placid facade of a familiar subject, leaving its audience stunned. As difficult as the film can at times be, the patient viewer will be rewarded.” ReelViews
SG & USE/ITEC registration
Please register for SG & USE/ITEC by scanning your student ID card at the venue.
More information about SG & USE/ITEC can be found here.
Ticket information
This film will be shown at Filmhuis De Zwarte Doos.
- Tickets must be purchased online in advance and can be bought by clicking the black “Order” button on this page.
- Cash or card payments are not accepted at the ticket counter.
For more information about tickets, refund policies, and other details, click here.
Please be on time
The screening of the film begins promptly at 19:30 (with no pre-film advertisements), and the cinema hall will open at 19:10. We kindly request that you arrive at the ticket counter at least 10 minutes before the start of the film to ensure a smooth and timely experience for all.
The Studium Generale film program is created in collaboration with the Student Film Committee and Natlab