Festival Guests

Julie Christiansen

Julie Christiansen is a Danish actress on the move. Since her debut in the 2006 Danish Academy Award-nominated (Robert Festival) film Life Hits, she has been earning notice for her work across film and television. In 2011, Julie appeared in the second season of Borgen and from 2011-2012 appeared in the Danish Academy Award-nominated TV series Lykke. From 2014-2015 she starred in the Danish series Heartless - which saw her receive her first Danish Academy Award nomination. Last October she had her most acclaimed role to date as Trine in Mehdi Avaz’s While We Live, for which she won the Bodil Award for Best Supporting Actress and received her second Danish Academy Award nomination.

Mehdi Avaz 

Iranian-born, Danish filmmaker Mehdi Avaz is one of the country’s most exciting up-and-coming filmmakers. After a successful career as an award-winning stills photographer, Mehdi ventured into moving pictures – starting with commercials, music videos and live shows. Mehdi’s inspiration for his debut feature film came about after a tragic accident that occurred in his childhood town. His debut film While We Live was an unprecedented hit in Denmark (going straight to second place on its opening weekend behind only Thor: Ragnarok), and has been dubbed the best Danish debut in decades.

SPECIAL EVENTS

We are delighted to present the Australian premiere of WHILE WE LIVE at this year’s festival. Mehdi and Julie will be in Sydney and Melbourne to attend selected events. Buy your tickets below!