Well, it was a toss up.
Should I attend a screening of the Wrestler (Mickey Rourke) - and determine for myself if the Oscar-buzz rumors were true - or mix and mingle with filmmakers at the opening night soiree for the Danish Film Festival kicking off last night?
Fortunately, I chose the latter.
According to a couple of my press buddies - who schlepped over to Mann's Chinese for the premiere of Rourke's new release - the red carpet scene there was a collossal bore.
The film?
So-so, they shrugged!
Meanwhile, across the street in the Oscar Room amid the old-world charm of The Roosevelt Hotel, excited Danish filmmakers chatted each other up about the state of their film industry.The Danes know how to toss a classy festive party!
Fine wine flowed freely, as the well-heeled guests feasted on a scrumptious assortment of quality imported cheeses, tasty crackers, and mouth-watering finger food.
Fortunately, Lene Pels JoRgensen - the Director/Creator of the Danish Film Fest - was on hand to enlighten me about the Danish offerings slated to screen over the next few days under the umbrella of the AFI Fest in Hollywood.
"There are quite a few collaborations now," she noted with a touch of pride in her voice. "Germany, Sweden - and other European countries - are co-producing features to be released on the world market."
Not surprisingly, the government provides financing for films - as they do in Canada, for instance - which often helps jump-start projects.
When I asked if there was a stipulation that projects be shot on Danish soil, Jorgensen was quick to respond.
"It depends on the specific project."
Danish filmmakers are going beyond their culture now in respect to subject matter, too.
"There is a push to produce International films that have widespread appeal in foreign markets."
I was curious if there was a star system there, like the one we have in the U.S.
"We have recognizable Danish actors. One was in a James Bond thriller."
At this point, she glanced around the room to take stock of the guests.
"Yes, a couple are here tonight," she assured me.
The Danish Film Festival is three years old and gathering steam.
"We're happy with the AFI Fest association."
According to festival organizers, there are many current trends in the Danish Film market that signal where the industry is going.
There is a focus on low-budget films, for instance.
While films with production budgets of around 2.5 million euros dominated in recent years, there is a tendency to be more prudent now.
"There is no money in medium-budget films. Films in the 2.5 million euros range have become too expensive to be innovative and too cheap to be unique. Consequently, our declared strategy now is either to make very inexpensive films or very expensive films," noted Peter Aalbaek Jensen, head of Zentropa.
Zentropa was founded in 1992 and has established itself far beyond the Danish borders. The company is known for edgy independent films by Lars von Trier and directors like Susanne Bier, Per Fly and Annette K. Olesen.
There stature in the industry is pretty solid, too.
Zentropa's films have won Golden Palm awards, the Silver Bear, and have represented Denmark at four Academy Award ceremonies.
Nordisk films acquired a 50% stake in Zentropa earlier this year; subsequently, that quick infusion of cash will not only help launch a handful of International productions, but create a Northern European "powerhouse" capable of attracting the strongest creative forces, industry-insiders opined.
To foster innovation in the Danish Cinema, the Festival has started up a pilot program to subsidize films with small budgets of no more than 10 million kroner (1.34 million euros).
"With Ra/Film, we hope to contribute some innovation in Danish cinema because such low budgets force filmmakers to take risks and basically demand a good story, since you can't just crank up the effects," DFI CEO Henrik Bo Nielsen said.
Ra/Film is wide open to genre.
It also doesn't matter if the artists are fresh out-of-the-gate or talented seasoned pros.
Innovative thinking is the key factor, one insider emphasized.
After years of niceties, Danish filmgoers are apparently looking for something raw and unglossed, my sources say.
Of course, Danish filmmakers (and funders) are quick on-the-uptake and intend to meet that demand.
For a list of films, and a brief rundown on screenings, check out the website.
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