Private Project

Wake up with Denmark

An ethnic Danish comedian degrades himself for fame, but ultimately wants to find his true voice.

  • Joseph Valentino Palau
    Director
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Vågn op med Danmark
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    34 minutes 47 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 1, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Denmark
  • Country of Filming:
    Denmark
  • Language:
    Danish
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Joseph Valentino Palau

Joseph Valentino Palau holds a Masters degree in Film & Media from Copenhagen University, a bachelor from Full Sail University in Entertainment business, and in film production from New York Film Academy. Joseph has gone on to write, direct and produce 22 episodes of a Danish web series and several short films; including a festival award winning quarantine short, Immun: Prologen. This short inspired him to develop and write The Gleam, feature screenplay selected for Powr baltic stories exchange . In an effort to help bridge the gap between diverse talent, aspiring storytellers, and industry professionals; Joseph founded Copenhagen Web Fest with Regina Mosch. He wrote an opinion piece in the Danish Politiken newspaper about his experiences with racism, hoping to create dialogue towards change.

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Director Statement

"It's risky to make such a film" was a quote I was told in the early stages of development for this project. Denmark, the happiest country in the world, has a dark secret. 'Hygge racism' translated means, cozy racism. Hygge racism is when Danes enjoy the racist or hurtful words. If someone becomes offended, the Danes believe that the individual does not have enough humour or is too sensitive. This mindset allows racism as long as its something to laugh about over a glass of wine. It's part of Danish society. It is important to me as a person of color, who has experienced such racism, to provide awareness.