One real gem at the festival is the tea ceremony. A few afternoons, members of the press gather with filmmakers and actors to chat and have tea. It's a very inspiring and just lovely event and a great opportunity to meet in a more relaxed setting.

Today I had the pleasure to indulge in scones and tea with Danish filmmaker Martin Pieter Zandvliet. His film "Applause" is a dark, heartfelt, but also hopeful story about a mother who is recovering from alcoholism and desperately tries to reclaim her life and her children. It stars Danish actress Paprika Steen, who expresses emotional highs and lows with ease and honesty (please read more in separate article about her).

Mr. Zandvliet is what one can call an ‘actors' director' who collaborates closely with his cast during filming. Establishing trust is extremely important - especially when dealing with deeply emotional material like in this film. He only had Paprika in mind for the role as troubled actress/mother Thea and - like most other people - is thrilled by the result of her performance.

The making this film became somewhat of a family project - leading lady Paprika's husband Mikael Rieks produced the film and their son Otto ended up being cast as well. He played one of the children in the movie. Acting out and working on heavy family material with one's own family and close friends can be challenging, but Zandvliet recalls the filming as an overall pleasant experience for everyone. Challenging of course, but enjoyable.

"Applause" is further a personal story for Zandvliet - a shattered family and alcoholism were factors present in his own early life. As a writer and actress myself, I understand that making this film was therapeautical for Zandvliet. And, as he confirms, art is about life, and working through experiences through art is healing.

I was deeply touched by this family drama, and although it is a dark story I felt hopeful in the end. I don't want to reveal too much but only recommend you to go see the film and judge for yourself. It's well worth your time.

Solveig Haugen
Correspondent for www.Filmfestivals.com