Festen
The Celebration (1998)
“Every family has a secret.”
Synopsis & Story Arc
Official Logline
The family of a wealthy businessman gather to celebrate his 60th birthday. During the course of the party, his eldest son presents a speech that reveals a devastating secret that turns the night into a battle of truth and denial.
Complete Cast & Crew Directory
Directing & Screenplay
Cast & Characters
Ulrich Thomsen
Ulrich Thomsen
as Christian
Henning Moritzen
Henning Moritzen
as Faderen
Thomas Bo Larsen
Thomas Bo Larsen
as Michael
Paprika Steen
Paprika Steen
as Helene
Birthe Neumann
Birthe Neumann
as Moderen
Trine Dyrholm
Trine Dyrholm
as Pia
Helle Dolleris
Helle Dolleris
as Mette
Therese Glahn
Therese Glahn
as Michelle
Klaus Bondam
Klaus Bondam
as Toastmasteren
Bjarne Henriksen
Bjarne Henriksen
as Kokken
Gbatokai Dakinah
Gbatokai Dakinah
as Gbatokai
Lasse Lunderskov
Lasse Lunderskov
as OnklenCinematography & Large-Format Specifications
Cinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 101 min |
Behind The Scenes
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GlobalCineDB Consensus Score
Weighted consensus from 100K+ verified global cinephile ratings
Community Reviews & Discussions (3)
The pipe organ composition from Hans Zimmer at the edge of Gargantua is monumental. Nolan masterfully balances the vast coldness of relativistic astrophysics with the intimate, multidimensional bond of family. A transcendent achievement of cinema.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Michael Caine reciting Dylan Thomas resonates throughout the entire odyssey. Pure cinematic grandeur.