THE CELEBRATION

Thomas Vinterberg’s 1998 Danish drama follows a wealthy family whose patriarch’s birthday gathering takes a dark turn when one son’s speech reveals the corruption and buried trauma beneath their polished public image. Filmed with raw handheld video as part of the Dogme 95 movement, the film transforms a formal celebration into an increasingly tense confrontation.

The film stars Ulrich Thomsen, Henning Moritzen, and Thomas Bo Larsen. It is presented as part of the Philadelphia Film Society’s FEAST limited series, a program focused on films that use meals, dining rituals, and gatherings to explore family, politics, religion, social conflict, and revelation.

When: November 17–22

Showtimes: November 17 at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM; November 20 at 4:00 PM; November 22 at 6:00 PM

Venue: Philadelphia Film Society East

Director: Thomas Vinterberg

Cast: Ulrich Thomsen, Henning Moritzen, and Thomas Bo Larsen

Run time: 105 minutes

Release: 1998

Genre: Drama

Rating: R

Languages: Danish, German, and English

Format: DCP

Series: FEAST limited series

Tickets: Price not available

All dates: Nov 17 at 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM · Nov 20 at 4:00 PM · Nov 22 at 6:00 PM