Kenneth Glad
When you finish a major creative project, the end usually brings a quiet sense of relief. You hope people like what you made, but rarely expect a global sensation. Then, suddenly, the whole world is watching.
The film crew behind ‘Woman Unknown’ returned to Copenhagen on sunday in a state of happy shock. They had just secured two top prizes at the Venice International Film Festival.
Director May el-Toukhy walked away with the prestigious Golden Lion, while lead star Mathilde Arcel claimed the award for best actress.
Speaking to TV 2, Arcel admitted she was overwhelmed by the wild events:
“I am so overwhelmed and touched, and I start crying out of nowhere all of a sudden. I am totally blown away by it.”.
Chaos and fast food
The trip to Italy was a frantic scramble. Producer Mikael Rieks told the Danish broadcaster they only received the call to attend late on Friday afternoon.
After the ceremony, the team experienced a sudden burst of fame. Rieks described a chaotic scene with fans rushing in and bodyguards protecting the filmmakers.
Despite the massive attention, el-Toukhy remained grounded upon her return.
“I am proud, I am happy, I think it is fantastic, I have nothing to complain about. I am a little hungry, I think I need a shawarma on the way home,” she told TV 2.
The road ahead
Set in 1945, the movie follows a young woman marrying a respected older widower. Dark secrets from her past soon threaten her carefully planned future.
According to the BBC, the gripping historical drama features flawless period details and a deeply expressive performance from Arcel.
Festival jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal was equally impressed, and she told the press that Arcel “is going to blow us completely away.”
Outlets like The Guardian, Variety, and CNN Brasil have highlighted the success of the Danish production.
Dreaming of gold
With so much early praise, whispers of a potential Academy Award nomination are growing louder. The official Oscar nominations will be revealed in January.
“There is no doubt that this cements that we are going to be part of some kind of race,” el-Toukhy explained to TV 2.
The emotional journey caught up with Rieks in the arrivals hall, and he broke down in tears while speaking to the press.
“It is insanely hard work, and it must be difficult for others to understand, but it… It is hard work. It just hit me right there,” he told TV 2.
Sources: TV 2, BBC, The Guardian, Variety, CNN Brasil
