Director: Anders Thomas Jensen
DK/1998/11mins/35mm/color
Anders Thomas Jensen made three short films
over three consecutive years. Each year he was
nominated for an Oscar until he finally won
with this final short, ELECTION NIGHT. Anders
Thomas Jensen is one of the most prolific young
writers in Denmark and has been at the forefront
of Dogme movement as a screenwriter (MIFUNE,
THE KING IS ALIVE) but has directed two
features in his own right.
On election night we meet Peter, an idealistic young
man, who suddenly discovers he has forgotten to
vote. On his way to the polls he encounters a variety
of taxi drivers, all racist in their way and Peter has
to decide whether to stand up for his convictions or
get to the polls on time.
"I got the idea when I drove with a cab
driver like this one. He was so racist. I
asked him in a polite way to shut up but
he didn’t shut up. I asked him if he had
anything to read and he actually gave
me Mein Kampf. I had this important
meeting and couldn't get off - that was
when I got the idea for the film."
Andres Thomas Jensen on Election Night
Commentary by Anders Thomas Jensen, recorded in London,
England
Film courtesy of M&M Productions
