Writer/director Lone Scherfig graduated from The National Film School of Denmark in 1984. Her first feature film, THE BIRTHDAY TRIP (1990), was selected for Panorama in Berlin, the New Directors section at MOMA in New York and won the Grand Jury Prix in Rouen. Her next film, ON OUR OWN (1998), received the Grand Prix in Montreal and the Cinekid Prize in Amsterdam. Scherfig then wrote an3d directed ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (2000; the Danish 'Dogma' #5), which was a huge audience hit and won her the Silver Bear and the international film critics' award FIPRESCI at the 2001 Berlinale, plus numerous other awards around the world.

Scherfig's first English-language feature, WILBUR WANTS TO KILL HIMSELF (2002), toured the festival circuit and brought home awards from e.g. France, the US and Japan. Her next production, AN EDUCATION (2009), won the Audience Award at Sundance and was nominated for three Oscars and eight BAFTAs. Scherfig has since directed three British films, i.e. ONE DAY (2011), THE RIOT CLUB (2014) and THEIR FINEST (2016) which premiered at TIFF in 2016 and screened in Sundance and London as the Mayor's gala. In 2019, Lone Scherfig's The Kindness of Strangers opened and was in competition at Berlin International Film Festival.

In between features Scherfig has directed a range of TV-series, including TAXA (1997), QUIET WATERS (1999), BETTER TIMES (2004) and, most recently, THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB (2015; conceptualized by Scherfig).

"The Art of Human Connection: Lone Scherfig's Cinematic Journey"

Join acclaimed film director Lone Scherfig for a session that delves into her unique approach to storytelling and the art of human connection. Drawing from her extensive body of work, including critically acclaimed films such as "Italian for Beginners," "An Education," and "Their Finest," Scherfig will discuss her creative process, the importance of character-driven narratives, and her passion for capturing the complexities of human relationships on screen. Throughout the masterclass, attendees will have insights into Scherfig's experiences working in both European and international cinema, her approach to directing actors, and the challenges and rewards of working within different genres and cultural contexts. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary filmmaking, and to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration that can be applied to your own cinematic journey.