Just a few observations regarding my amazing trip to Copenhagen!

Toronto and Copenhagen provide strong cultural contrast.   Leaving Toronto was leaving behind a bland urban landscape, high rise bleakness, insane highway traffic, efficiency without character or history.  Copenhagen instead provided a sense of warmth and welcome, strong cultural and historical identity, cobble stoned streets, an urban landscape with beautiful (low-rise) historic buildings which seemed to welcome sunlight – no highrises (despite the inclusion of some rainy days) – and bicycles – lots of bicycles.   In fact, my enjoyment of walking the streets was somewhat plagued by bicycle traffic as bicyclists were everywhere.  And the air seemed to be much fresher, cleaner, perhaps their bicycle culture and attempt to reduce greenhouse emissions is working.  I certainly felt a difference.

Also, a celebration of Nordic food!  The foods available in Copenhagen though less numerous (less choices of ‘things to eat’) seemed fresher and more ‘simple’.  By simple I mean most foods were non-GMO and had less ‘chemicals’ and less ingredients overall.   And there was an emphasis upon home-grown in-season foods (opposed to a vast variety of produce/products in Toronto most of which are imported).  However, prices for food – prices generally – were much higher in Copenhagen than in Toronto.  Must mention here the Danish love of licorice and flodeboller.  Licorice (as in black unsweetened licorice) is abundant.  I found it strange that it was coupled with chocolate and ice cream.  Actually licorice could be found everywhere.  Since I am madly in love with black licorice it was a real treat.  Lakrids are a famous brand of chocolate which has licorice in the middle and licorice flavouring throughout.  Love them!  And Flodeboller – what’s not to love.  They are small mounds of chocolate covered cream or marshmallow on a cookie or almond layer.  Amazing!  Fond memories from the past.

The Danes overall were warm and friendly with a sense of self disclosure that I found ‘different’.  We seem more cautious and reserved here in Toronto.  What I found wonderful overall was the intensity and depth of their historical heritage. Denmark has historical roots which reach way back (eg. their Viking heritage, the oldest monarchy in the world, the oldest national flag, etc. etc.)  In contrast, Toronto reflects a new and constantly evolving city.  Toronto and Canada in general have such a vast, nature driven landscape which stands in direct contrast to the culturally rich, manicured (miniature) landscape in Denmark.

I expect to add to these observations and provide pictures in subsequent blogs (see PHOTOS for pictures).

Just wanted to put down few immediate thoughts while fresh in my mind…

Several Danish Films appeared at this year’s Hot Docs Film Festival here in Toronto. Below are some some observations from 3 amazing documentaries that I managed to see. All are worth watching if you get the chance.

The Arms Drop

North American Premier, Hot Docs, (2015), D. Andreas Koefoed

“After narrowly escaping execution and surviving eight years in an Indian prison, a British arms dealer hunts down the MI5 agent who betrayed him…”
Fascinating real life doc thriller where things are not what they seem. Captivating, extraordinary, complex true life doc that plays like the best hollywood fiction – actually better as the bizarre but spectacular arms drop operation is all too real. The director does an excellent job of character development for British arms dealer, Peter Bleach, and Danish terrorist, an unlikely Niels Holch. Enough suspense and mystery to capture any audience. A must see if you are lucky enough to come across this excellent doc-thriller.

Warriors from the North

North American Premier, Hot Docs (2015), D. Soren Steen Jespersen, Nasib Farah

“This complex, multilayered story (centering around) a father desperately trying to make contact with his son who has (joined a radical group outside Denmark) offers chilling insight into what fuels the current trend of Western Muslim youth joining radical groups abroad”.
Loved this documentary despite the fact that I was reluctant to watch it because of what I felt was a depressing subject. Warriors of the North was an excellent production, a rare and intimate account which bravely tackled the question of ‘why’ Danish Muslim youth preferred to die rather than lead seemingly meaningless lives back home. Excellent discussion after doc by directors who discussed four year journey in making doc.
WINNER. HOT DOCS 2015. CONGRATULATIONS!!

The Circus Dynasty

D. Anders Riis-Hansen

“The success and longevity of two of Europe’s greatest circus families hangs in the balance as their respective heirs fall for one another”.
Good, highly watchable production but I found the narrow, one dimensional quality of the doc limiting. However, enjoyed interesting character development and portrayal of past glory and a dying circus world eclipsed by modern sensibility.