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The Dreamer - Becoming Karen Blixen

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The transformative journey of Karen Blixen - whose memoir inspired the iconic film Out of Africa - as she defies societal expectations, rebuilds her life, and discovers her voice as one of the most celebrated writers of her time.

Set in 1930s Denmark, the series follows Karen Blixen’s return to her childhood home after years in East Africa. Penniless, ill, and recently divorced, she finds herself at rock bottom. Through a journey marked by resilience, imagination, and defiance of convention, she begins to redefine herself and reclaim her creative power. Blending realism with vivid visualisations of her inner world and flashbacks to Africa, the series explores the genesis of a literary icon.

Created from an idea by Connie Nielsen and Karoline Leth, the story is inspired by Blixen’s life, personal letters, and excerpts from her short story The Dreamers. Her memoir Out of Africa, originally published as Den afrikanske farm (The African Farm), would go on to inspire the Oscar-winning film starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.

Genres

Biography, Drama

Duration

6 x 50'

Language

Danish, English

Cast

Connie Nielsen, Lars Mikkelsen, Hanne Uldal, Joachim Fjelstrup, Johannes Kuhnke, Lene Maria Christensen, Solbjørg Højfeldt, Lochlann Ó Mearáin

Director

Jeanette Nordahl

Scriptwriter

Dunja Gry Jensen, Per Daumiller, Karoline Leth, Connie Nielsen

Production Company

Zentropa Episode

Production Year

2022

The highly acclaimed series - nominated for multiple international awards - is created by Dunja Gry Jensen (Norskov, Man Divided, The Good Traitor, Terribly Happy) and directed by Jeanette Nordahl (Wildland, The Responder, Beginnings). Produced by the award-winning production house Zentropa, the series stars Emmy-nominated Connie Nielsen (Gladiator, Origin, Wonder Woman, Ocean Deep, Close to Me), alongside Lars Mikkelsen (Ride Upon the Storm, Borgen, Sherlock, House of Cards), Lochlann O’Mearáin (Joyride, Mr Loverman, Outlander, Harry Wild), Hanne Uldal (Beginnings, The Penultimate, Rejseholdet), Joachim Fjelstrup (The Girl with the Needle, All and Eva, Carmen Curlers, Ride Upon the Storm), Lene Maria Christensen (Honey, Darkland, Unruly, Face to Face), Johannes Bah Kuhnke (Love & Anarchy, Real Humans), and Solbjørg Højfeldt (The Kingdom, Face to Face, The Killing).

Awards

Laurel

Nominated

Best Performance by an Actress
International Emmy Awards 2023

Best TV Series of the Year
Robert Prisen 2023

Best Series
Canneseries 2022

Best Fiction
PRIX Europa 2022

TV Series of the Year
EnergaCAMERIMAGE 2022

Best Miniserie & The Audience prize
THIS Series Århus 2022

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