Danish director Thomas Vinterberg is set to premiere his latest project, Families Like Ours, at the Venice Film Festival this weekend. This seven-part series delves into a near-future scenario where the Danish government initiates a plan to evacuate the entire population due to rising sea levels, inspired by Denmark’s low altitude vulnerability to climate change.
The series features a talented cast including Amaryllis August, Albert Rudbeck Lindhardt, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Paprika Steen, Helene Reingaard Neumann, Magnus Millang, Esben Smed, David Dencik, Thomas Bo Larsen, and Asta Kamma August. Amaryllis August takes on the role of a high-school student facing a difficult decision as she navigates the complexities of her relationships amidst the impending evacuation.
Families Like Ours is Vinterberg’s first foray into television series following the success of his award-winning film, Another Round, which received the Best International Feature Film Oscar in 2021. The series has been produced under the Creation Orignale Canal+ label, with Sisse Graum Jørgensen and Kasper Dissing leading the production at Zentropa Entertainment. It is a collaborative effort with Studiocanal, Canal+, TV2 Denmark Ard Degeto, and TV4.
The premiere of Families Like Ours at the Venice Film Festival marks a significant moment for high-end series, with three other projects set to debut alongside it. This includes works from renowned directors Alfonso Cuarón, Joe Wright, and Rodrigo Sorogoyen, showcasing a diverse range of storytelling on an international platform. With Studiocanal handling international sales, the series is poised to reach a wide audience beyond its initial screenings.
Families Like Ours presents an intriguing exploration of environmental themes and human relationships in the face of a crisis. With Vinterberg’s visionary storytelling and a talented ensemble cast, the series promises to captivate audiences and spark conversations about the future of our planet. As the series makes its debut on the global stage, it invites viewers to reflect on the impact of climate change and the choices we make in the midst of uncertainty.