Full details
Danish director Carl Fries Worshamer has released his new documentary "Christiania," which explores the story of the alternative Copenhagen neighborhood known as Christiania. Founded in 1971 by a group of local residents and homeless people who occupied abandoned barracks, the film highlights the birth of this community that sought to live outside traditional social norms, relying on principles of cooperation and sharing without a central leadership.
In the film, Worshamer uses archival footage alongside recent scenes he personally filmed, narrating the story in his own voice. He expresses a personal connection to the neighborhood where he was born but did not grow up due to his parents' departure. The documentary presents the tensions the community faced between attempts to preserve the utopia envisioned by its residents and the challenges posed by drug trade and the violence that later emerged.
The film focuses on the collective aspect of the community, where the individual does not stand out, showcasing the public meetings held to make decisions and highlighting the political conflicts between residents and the government. It also touches on some humorous events, such as the story of the drunken bear "Ricky," and points to the artistic and theatrical activities in the neighborhood, although it somewhat overlooks social diversity, such as the presence of LGBTQ+ communities.
"Christiania" is considered a tribute from the director to a place he values despite its complexities, raising personal questions about the concept of living within an alternative society. The film is produced by Tambo Film, with producer Ricky Tambo and editing by Michael Aglund.