Susanne Bier

Director · Cast · Writer

Born

April 15, 1960 · Copenhagen, Denmark

"You can't be fragile in this industry". Bier, who grew up in Copenhagen, forged her cinematic path through diverse influences. Her experiences in Jerusalem, her studies at the National Film School of Denmark, and her time at the Architectural Association in London shaped her creative vision. The Danish Dogma 95 movement, which emphasizes raw realism and stripped-down filmmaking, also left a significant mark on her, particularly through her collaboration with producer Vibeke Windelov. Bier graduated from the National Film School of Denmark in 1987, and a few years later, she directed her first feature, Freud Leaving Home. Her films are known for posing more questions than offering clear answers, often exploring the emotional complexity of human relationships and people's dark sides. Influenced by the cold and reserved nature of Scandinavian culture, Bier’s narratives delve into themes of repression, unspoken emotions, and inner conflict, resulting in compelling and intricate stories. In 2011, she won the prestigious Oscar for Best Foreign Film with In a Better World, a film that also garnered a Golden Globe. The awards kept coming, being awarded with the Nordic Honorary Dragon Award at the Gothenburg Film Festival. That same year, she directed the critically acclaimed TV series The Night Manager, which earned her an Emmy for Best Director. With this achievement, Bier made history as the first Danish filmmaker to win an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy.