“A riveting homage to a unique literary sensation” (Observer) — On June 8, see the engrossing new Karen Blixen biopic The Pact/Pagten (dir. Bille August, Denmark, 2021) at Scandinavia House!
In 1948, 63-year-old Out of Africa author Karen Blixen (also known by her pen name, Isak Dinesen) is a lonely literary sensation, devastated by syphilis and mourning her lost love, until she meets 30-year-old poet Thorkild Bjørnvig. Recognizing his talent, she offers him a Faustian bargain that promises him stardom in exchange for unconditional obedience. But as her demands become increasingly pernicious, Thorkild realizes that he will need to make a choice: Blixen’s promise of fame, or his own family. Directed by Bille August (Pelle the Conquerer), The Pact is an absorbing adaptation of Bjørnvig bestselling memoir The Pact: My Friendship with Isak Dinesen. (115 min. In Danish with English subtitles)
“Deftly mounted, shot and scored, The Pact is a master class in ensemble acting, led by Neumann in a visceral, deeply layered and knife‘s-edge turn”—LA Times
This screening will take place in Victor Borge Hall; attendees are required to follow all Scandinavia House safety protocols, including wearing masks during the program and observing social distancing rules in signage. Please read our full safety protocols here. ASF is committed to providing an environment free from harassment or discrimination in the treatment of individuals and does not permit harassment or discrimination in any forms (whether racial, sexual, religious, orientation or others) within our building. Any visitors who do not abide by these policies will be required to leave. Read our our Non-Discrimination Policy here.
About the Director
Bille August (born November 9, 1948) is a Danish Academy Award winning film and television director. His film Pelle the Conqueror from 1987 won the Palme D’or, Academy Award and Golden Globe. He is one of the very few directors to win the Palme D’or twice, winning the prestigious award again in 1991 for The Best Intentions, based on the autobiographical script by Ingmar Bergman.