Movie buffs in Copenhagen are spoilt for choice when it comes to indulging their taste for independent and foreign films. Despite being a relatively small city, Copenhagen is home to a surprising number of art house movie theatres that feature films well outside of the usual mainstream American imports.
The Danes take their films very seriously. The Danish film industry is supported entirely by the state-run Danish Film Institute, which invests in and funds upcoming Danish talent. Controversial Danish directors such as Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg have found international fame with edgy, realistic and often disturbing films focusing on story and performance, rather than special effects and other cinematic devices. The "Dogme 95" movement which originated in Denmark and was partly founded by von Trier and Vinterberg has achieved an international following.
Art House Movie Theatres in Copenhagen
Big name American movies along with mainstream Danish films are by far the most popular with the Danish population. But for those looking for something different, there are a number of small art house cinemas located in Central Copenhagen.
The Dagmar Teatret is located on Jernbanegade not far from the main train station and the Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen). First opened in 1883, it is one of Denmark’s oldest cinemas and has developed a reputation for catering to a serious adult crowd. With five screens, it is a small, cosy theatre possessing a lively urbane feel. The Dagmar shows a variety of lesser known independent and foreign films, as well as the more arty of the current Danish fare. The theatre is also home to a small café which serves a menu well attuned to its sophisticated clientele, with a variety of coffees, wines and beers in addition to traditional popcorn and soda.
Vester Vov Vov, located on Absalonsgade in the Vesterbro district of Copenhagen, has a funky, Bohemian atmosphere. Founded in 1975, it is Denmark’s first "café cinema" and is a popular gathering area for students and serious film buffs. The cinema has three small screening rooms, a café bar and a pool table (but no popcorn). It shows mainly small independent and foreign films, often screening documentaries that cannot be seen elsewhere in the city.
Tucked away off the main stretch of road on the main city square is the Gloria Biograf. This small movie theatre shows art and foreign films and hosts special events such as premieres and lectures. It is another "café cinema" with a menu of coffees, beer, wines and sweets.
Husets Biograf, located in central Copenhagen, hosts festivals, events and workshops relating not only to film but to other art forms as well.
Of course the mother of all Danish arthouse cinemas is the Danish Film Institute itself. Aside from supporting and funding the Danish film industry, the Institute is open to the public as an entertainment and educational facility providing a vibrant meeting place for all those interested in cinema. The Institute consists of three cinemas, a video library, film archive, restaurant and café, bookshop and film studios. Most films screened at the Institute are in English and the Filmhouse at the Institute also presents a programme of Danish and other foreign films that are subtitled in English, which naturally makes it very popular among the expat community. The Institute hosts film festivals and special events, often showing late night screenings of cult classics and themed programmes.
The Danish Film Institute is located on Gothersgade near Rosenberg Castle and just a ten minute walk from Nørreport Station . More information on the Institute can be found on their website.
Tips for English-Speaking Movie Goers in Copenhagen
Foreign films in Denmark are shown in their original language with Danish subtitles, except for children’s films which are often dubbed. Unless you can read Danish or are familiar with the film’s original language, it is best to avoid non-English speaking foreign films unless they are said to be subtitled in English. Seats in Danish movie theatres are assigned. When you purchase your tickets, you will be asked where you would like to sit. Tickets can often be purchased ahead of time online.
Movie goers who enjoy something a little stronger than soda to go with their viewing experience will be happy to know that even mainstream Danish movie theatres serve beer in addition to the usual film-going fare of popcorn, soda and candy. Movie theatre listings can be found on the Kino website and tickets can be purchased there as well.
Sources and Further Information
- Cinema Treasures - Dagmar Theatre, accessed 28 June 2011
- Vester Vov Vov website, accessed 28 June 2011
- Gloria Biograf website, accessed 28 June 2011
- Husets Biograf website, accessed 28 June 2011
- Danish Film Institute, accessed 28 June 2011
Beth MacMillan - Beth MacMillan fulfilled her dream of living and traveling in Europe when she, her husband and their two dogs moved to Denmark in 2001 for ...
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