JESPER VIDKJÆR RASMUSSEN

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A FILMMAKER?

I was immersed in the world of films from a young age, especially through VHS tapes that showcased various genres. This early fascination sparked my love for storytelling. I've always been captivated by the art of sharing narratives, and directing allows me to express this passion fully.

HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS THE IDEA FOR NASHVILLE?

The initial spark came from a striking photograph I saw in a newspaper. It depicted an old American car cruising through a quaint Danish town, passing what I believe was an inn or community center. Later, a significant loss in my family prompted me to craft a story centered around a family's journey through grief, making it a deeply personal narrative.

HOW DO YOU WORK AS A FILMMAKER?

With my background as an actor, my primary focus is on effective direction and collaborating with actors to develop rich characters. Authenticity is crucial in my work. I often draw inspiration from my own experiences and the people I've encountered, particularly stories from small towns in Jylland, which have become my signature as a director. This connection to my roots fuels my creative drive.

WHAT'S YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS?

Focus on telling stories that resonate with your own experiences. If a topic is unfamiliar to you, it's essential to do thorough research before attempting to narrate it.

FUTURE GOALS?

My immediate goal is to complete my first feature film, which I'm currently developing. As long as I maintain my passion for filmmaking, I aim to continue sharing stories that matter to me.

ABOUT

Jesper Vidkjær Rasmussen is a Danish film director known for NASHVILLE (shortlisted for the Danish Academy Award ‘Robert’) and RIDERS / IMDb

Jesper Isaksen

Jesper Isaksen is a talented director based in Copenhagen, Denmark. His first short NIMA (16 min.) a homemade low budget gangster tale from the streets of Copenhagen was shown at Danish National Television.

Another short gangster tale NO EXIT (12. min) was selected semifinalist out of more than 15.000 short films in the global "YourFilmFestival" conducted by Ridley & Tony Scott and Michael Fassbender. The first prize was 500.000 USD. NO EXIT went on to participate in the biggest and most prestigious short film festival in Denmark "EKKO SHORTLIST" and went straight to the top 10 and stayed there for 11 consecutive weeks straight.

The sequel, NO EXIT 2 - RISE AGAINST, also participated in "EKKO SHORTLIST" with a 1st place as the highest ranking. It went on to roam the top 10 in 13 consecutive weeks straight. NO EXIT 2 was later nominated in two categories "The Shortlist Award" and also "The Audience Award" at EKKO Award Show 2014.

The short film comedy THE VISITOR premiered at Orlando Film festival in 2018 and also received a nomination for "Best Foreign Language Short Film". In 2019 it got selected as part of the Official Selection at the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival and also won the "Best Comedy" award at Annual Aarhus Film Festival. It later roamed the top 10 at EKKO Shortlist 2019/2020 with a 1st place as the highest ranking.

In the fall of 2019 Jesper finished his first feature film VICTIM OF LOVE, a dense psychological and bloody yet stylish horror-thriller starring Danish powerhouse actor Rudi Køhnke. It premiered Saturday the 16th of November 2019 at the biggest feature film festival in Denmark, CPH PIX. It also received a Robert nomination by the Danish Film Academy for "Best Original Song" by Julian Winding at The Danish Film Awards 2020. Robert is equivalent to the American Oscar, the French César and the British BAFTA.

VICTIM OF LOVE has had a pretty strong festival run earning 19 wins and 33 nominations so far. It will continue its festival run in 2021 and hopefully reach even more awesome festivals and horror and genre audiences across the world.

VICTIM OF LOVE is being distributed by Another World Entertainment in Denmark and Indican Pictures & Lionsgate worldwide.

Jesper has also directed more than 20 music videos.

http://www.jesperisaksen.com
Previous
Previous

JOSHUA TRIGG