Copenhagen, 23 August 2023 – Today, Zentropa presents the trailer and poster for Nikolaj Arcel's long-awaited THE PROMISED LAND. For the first time, audiences can catch a glimpse of the magnificent story - a gripping blockbuster, inspired by real events, about one man's fierce struggle to tame the wild heath and create his own happiness. But in his stubborn pursuit of wealth and glory, he risks sacrificing those dearest to him.
Nikolaj Arcel (A ROYAL AFFAIR; 2012) directs the film, which he has written together with Anders Thomas Jensen (RIDERS OF JUSTICE, 2020). Mads Mikkelsen (INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY, 2023; ANOTHER ROUND, 2020) is seen in the title role, and in other leading roles the audience can experience, among others, Amanda Collin (RAISED BY WOLVES, 2020-22), Simon Bennebjerg (BORGEN, 2022; THE PACT, 2021), Melina Hagberg, Kristine Kujath Thorp (SICK OF MYSELF, 2022), and Gustav Lindh (RIDERS OF JUSTICE, 2020; QUEEN OF HEARTS, 2019).
Nikolaj Arcel and Zentropa's star-studded THE PROMISED LAND has this month boasted several major festival selections. The film will compete in the main competition at the Venice Film Festival, and has been selected for the prestigious Toronto Film Festival, and on Friday it was announced that the film has also been selected for the San Sebastian Film Festival.
Synopsis
In 1755, the impoverished Captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to conquer the harsh, uninhabitable Danish heath with a seemingly impossible goal; to build a colony in the name of the King. In exchange, he'll receive a desperately desired Royal name for himself. But the sole ruler of the area, the merciless Frederik de Schinkel, arrogantly believes this land belongs to him. When de Schinkel learns that the maid Ann Barbara and her serve husband have escaped for refuge with Kahlen, the privileged and spiteful ruler swears revenge, doing everything in his power to drive the captain away. Kahlen will not be intimidated and takes up the unequal battle - not only risking his life, but also the family of outsiders that has formed around him.
THE PROMISED LAND is a gripping story about the conquest of the heath, the tale of a proud and uncompromising man, and the woman who becomes his ally in the fight against evil, death and perdition.
Produced by ZENTROPA ENTERTAINMENTS in co-production with ZENTROPA BERLIN, ZENTROPA SWEDEN and FILM I VÄST with support from DANISH FILM INSTITUTE MARKEDSORDNINGEN, DEN VESTDANSKE FILMPULJE, EURIMAGES, CZECH FILM FUND, MITTELDEUTSCHE MEDIENFÖRDERUNG, MOIN FILM FUND HAMBURG SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, MEDIENBOARD BERLIN-BRANDENBURG, DEUTSCHER FILMFÖRDERFONDS, SVENSKA FILMINSTITUTET HEDESELSKABET in cooperation with TV 2, NORDISK FILM & TV FOND, PLAION PICTURES, SVT Developed by THE CREATIVE EUROPE PROGRAMME – MEDIA OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Distribution NORDISK FILM DISTRIBUTION International sales TRUSTNORDISK
© 2023 ZENTROPA ENTERTAINMENTS 4, ZENTROPA BERLIN GMBH and ZENTROPA SWEDEN AB
THE PROMISED LAND has sold to more than 50 territories worldwide.
The film will be released widely in Denmark on 5 October 2023.