In a significant shift, Danish film and TV company Zentropa is venturing into the realm of documentary filmmaking. This new development comes on the heels of the success of their recent drama productions like Nikolaj Arcel’s The Promised Land and Lars Von Trier’s The Kingdom. The launch of Zentropa Documentary marks a new chapter for the company, with the division being spearheaded by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Nicole Horanyi.
Nicole Horanyi, known for her work on documentaries such as Motley’s Law, A Stranger Moves In, and Natascha Kampusch – A Lifetime in Prison, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. As the Head of Documentaries at Viaplay, she oversaw the streaming service’s documentary efforts across multiple markets. Horanyi is excited about the partnership with Zentropa, stating, “I am tremendously happy to step into this exceptional institution. Zentropa possesses a truly unique quality and a very strong brand; therefore, I am convinced that together, we can open doors for the best documentary filmmakers in the industry.”
Producers Sisse Graum Jørgensen and Louise Vesth, integral parts of Zentropa’s management team, shed light on the rationale behind the creation of the documentary division. They emphasize the importance of fostering dialogue, community, and understanding in today’s world, with documentary filmmaking being a powerful tool in achieving this goal. The aim is to develop authentic stories in collaboration with artistic talents that resonate with a wide audience, both locally and globally.
Susan Wendt, Managing Director of sales arm TrustNordisk, highlights the significance of this move for Zentropa. She believes that the addition of documentaries to their portfolio will enhance their slate, especially in terms of delivering powerful storytelling to global audiences. Wendt is optimistic about the international prospects of Zentropa’s documentary productions and looks forward to showcasing them on the global stage.
As Zentropa embarks on this new journey into the world of documentary filmmaking, it is clear that the company is committed to expanding its creative horizons. With Nicole Horanyi at the helm, backed by a team of dedicated producers and industry experts, Zentropa Documentary is poised to make a significant impact in the world of non-fiction storytelling. By combining artistic vision with a passion for social impact, Zentropa is set to pave the way for a new era of documentary excellence.