Danish Film Institute irks producers, gov't
Producers experiencing communication shutdown
Move has refueled the crisis at the institute, which was revealed after a government report concluded that after two years, it is still unable to communicate with the board, the film councils and the staff.
At a Nov. 28 meeting with Camre and chairman of the Institute board Soren Kjaer, Danish film producers delivered their no-confidence vote to the board. Two days later Culture Minister Elsebeth Gerner Nielsen consulted political opposition parties about "the chaotic situation at the Institute."
Nielsen admitted she was not fully satisfied with the statement she had received from the board.
"It has come up with answers to most of the questions in the report, but I need better proposals of how the Institute will establish a proper collaboration with the organizations of the film industry," said the culture minister, who claimed she was not aware of the producers' latest move.
Film coin issues
Erik Crone, chairman of the Assn. of Danish Film & TV Producers and managing director of Nordisk Film's feature film division, was pleased with her reaction. "Hopefully, we can shortly enter negotiations with the Institute about the current problems of film financing."
Zentropa Entertainment managing director Peter Aalbaek Jensen went further, calling for the management's dismissal.
"Never has so much state money been available for Danish films, and never have so few been instigated, thanks to the institute's performance," he told Daily Variety.
