Born in Denmark in 1948, he is a renowned film director and screenwriter known for his evocative storytelling and visual style. He gained international acclaim with "Pelle the Conqueror" (1987), which won both the Palme d'Or at Cannes and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His work often explores themes of family and human resilience. Over his career, he has directed numerous films and television series, earning a reputation for his adept adaptation of literary works.