Who was Per Holst? All about Danish filmmaker as he dies at 86

Per Holst, the Danish filmmaker and producer who spent decades bringing the visions of some of the country’s most celebrated directors to life, died at 86. His son, actor Morten Holst, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. The reason for his passing hasn't been shared or confirmed.

Starting in the late 1960s, Per Holst established himself as a prolific and trusted producer. He worked closely with Lars von Trier on The Element of Crime (1987), collaborated with Nils Malmros on titles like Tree of Knowledge (1981) and Barbara (1997), and teamed up with Bille August on a series of films that shaped Danish cinema in the 1980s.

August’s Pelle the Conqueror (1987), which Per Holst produced, went on to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes and later received the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The triumph marked Oscar wins for Denmark following Babette’s Feast the year before, a period that firmly established the small nation on the global cinematic map.

Per Holst, whose career spanned decades of Danish cinema, dies, leaving cultural legacy:

Denmark’s government-owned broadcaster TV 2 reported that Holst’s son, Anders, said his father died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning.

“He leaves behind a cultural legacy that we are proud of on his behalf, he has been active until the end. Of course not like in his youth, but to the extent he could. He loved to read, watch and talk about films.” shared Anders.

Holst’s influence in the showbiz went beyond his producing credits. Although mainly known for guiding other directors' work, he also directed his own films. His 1985 comedy movie, Walter and Carlo, Up on Daddy’s Hat, became one of Denmark’s all-time box office hits, showing his skill in blending commercial appeal with an understanding of audience preferences.

Per Holst did not limit his movie activities to producing. He also served on the European Film College’s board from 2000 to 2005. His presence allowed students and aspiring filmmakers to benefit from his industry experience and learn more effectively.

Holst was also a member of the Danish Film Institute’s Feature Film Committee. Over the years, the Danish Film Institute has mainly focused on production, distribution, and museum activities. Their goal is to preserve art and culture related to national interests.

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Holst received significant recognition for his contributions. The recognition he received was a result of his efforts and vision throughout his film career. Among his honors were the Honorary Bodil Award in 1985, the Honorary Robert in 1995, the LO’s Culture Prize in 1998, and the Ib Prize in 2019.

The various awards Per Holst won are a gentle reminder of the impact he had on the craft of filmmaking and the respect showered upon him by his peers. Per Holst worked in the show business for more than fifty years. As the years progressed, he chose to impact the Danish art form in any way he could.

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