At the recent European Film Awards, Thomas Vinterberg’s Another Round was awarded Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Screenwriter, effectively sweeping the show. The film, which is Denmark’s entry for the International Feature Oscar, is also the biggest film of the year at the Danish box office.
The story centers around four weary high school teachers who test the theory that a constant level of modest inebriation opens our minds to the world. Their “research” takes them on a journey of self-discovery with both uplifting and tragic consequences.
Upon accepting the top prize during the virtual EFA ceremony, Vinterberg said, “None of my films ever could ever have been made without the support systems of my country and of European filmmaking in general. My first film was about child abuse, my second one about the same and now we’ve made a film about four heterosexual white males teaching youngsters to drink. It could never have been possible outside of this continent and I’m super proud to be awarded in this continent.”
During the making of Another Round, Vinterberg’s 19-year-old daughter Ida tragically died in a car accident. “She loved this project, she was a part of this project — she was supposed to act in it, it was made at her school, amongst her friends in her classroom — and the only thing that made sense when she died was to carry on and make this movie for her,” said Vinterberg. “It’s made by all of us who love her and miss her dearly, and your votes and your award will honor her memory.”
Accepting his award for Best Actor, Mads Mikkelsen said, “One reason this film was made, one reason why this film was finalized is one little shining light that is not here anymore. But her light is in every frame of this film, so we dedicate it to Ida Vinterberg.”
The film had a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on December 4, and will find its way to VOD services December 18. It’s currently sitting at a comfortable 92% certified fresh critic score on rotten tomatoes with 95 total reviews.
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