Thomas Vinterberg Says Venice’s Own Flooding Concerns Made It ‘Obvious Choice’ for Launch of Climate Change Miniseries ‘Families Likes Ours’

As a follower with a keen interest in both cinema and climate change, I find myself deeply moved by the imminent premiere of “Families Like Ours” at Venice, a city mirroring our own existential struggles against rising sea levels. Thomas Vinterberg‘s work resonates profoundly with me, having been captivated by his acclaimed “Another Round.”


It’s not accidental that the climate change disaster miniseries titled “Families Likes Our,” in which Denmark appears to flood and shut down completely, is debuting in Venice – a city known for its struggle against its own impending doom due to increasing sea levels.

Thomas Vinterberg, the Danish director, states that the location was clearly the best option for him. “Families Like Ours” being his initial TV series and his project following the critically acclaimed Oscar-winning film “Another Round,” he expressed to Alberto Barbera in their first correspondence that Venice was the only suitable place to present this work.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but remark that Vinterberg’s latest work, “Families Like These,” masterfully delves into the intricacies of family relationships and societal interactions, all while exploring the unprecedented scenario where Danish citizens are unexpectedly ordered to evacuate and resettle in various countries worldwide.

“He shares that the initial concept originated several years back, seeming absurdly futuristic to some of his peers, who dismissed it. However, surprisingly, it’s now commonplace – a fact that leaves him feeling somewhat uneasy,” he says from Venice.

However, the real catastrophe – the flood – is not depicted visually, instead serving as an ominous backdrop as the narrative concentrates on a family who are severely impacted by the difficult choices they must confront due to circumstances beyond their control.

He expresses his desire to bring this situation into reality, believing Denmark, with its proactive nature, wouldn’t delay when faced with flooding. Instead, they would be prepared. He further notes that a just solution would be discovered to save as many people as possible. In essence, he thinks it would play out like a slow-motion disaster movie in real life.

As someone who recognizes the universal nature of the climate crisis and its dire consequences for various nations around the world, I firmly believe that “Families Like Ours,” deeply entrenched as it is within the fabric of Danish society, carries immense potential to resonate globally. This compelling drama could be successfully adapted in numerous countries, offering a shared narrative on this critical issue.

According to Vinterberg, he’s found that people tend to lose interest when things are made too broad or general. However, when he creates something that’s incredibly specific to Denmark, it gains traction and spreads.

By coincidence, the film titled “Another Round,” directed by Vinterberg, which is distinctively Danish, can be found on a journey. This comedy-drama, often referred to as an “ode to alcohol,” follows the story of four friends who experiment with maintaining a certain level of alcohol in their bloodstream to enhance their lives.

2021 saw the announcement that Leonardo DiCaprio would produce an American remake, with Chris Rock revealed as both writer and director earlier this year. Given the distinct cultural differences surrounding alcohol between America and Europe, some pondered how the narrative could be adapted for the U.S. Vinterberg himself admits he shared these doubts, but points out that at the heart of the film lies “an engine, a story of an experience, which can be placed anywhere.” He suggests the most effective way to handle the remake would be by setting it in a different context and making it distinctly American.

After Rock got involved with the project, Vinterberg playfully quipped about him to a Danish newspaper, saying, “If it flops, he’ll take another slap.”

He acknowledges that he may have made a mistake in his words, but he also sent an apology since he thought it might not have been amusing for the other person.

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2024-08-31 14:46