Film Maker & Actress
Emilie Kroyer Koppel is more than just a rising star in Danish cinema - she is a beacon of creativity and ambition in a generation often labeled as uncertain or lost. At just 22, she has already left her mark as both a film maker and an actress, proving that young voices can be powerful, thoughtful, and deeply impactful.
When did you know you wanted to work in the film industry?
I started making small experimental short films when I was about 11 years old, and over time, my projects became more ambitious. Film making was never a planned choice - it just evolved naturally. When I was 10 years old, I had some photos taken by a casting director, and four years later, she called and invited me to an audition. That led to small acting roles, and when I was 19, I landed my first lead role in a feature film. After high school, I made a conscious choice to pursue filmmaking and acting rather than follow an academic path. Right now, I’m fully embracing the process - exploring, dreaming, and seeking inspiration.
How does your experience as an actress influence your approach to filmmaking, and vice versa?
My experience as an actress has given me an intuitive understanding of character work and what it means to step into a role. I know what it feels like to stand in front of a camera, to be directed, and to juggle both the technical and emotional sides of a film production. This has shaped my approach as a director - I work closely with actors to find something that feels real and organic. I understand how vulnerable it can be to fully commit to a role and how important it is to create a space where actors feel safe enough to take risks. Being both a director and an actor lets me see the creative process from both sides, making it easier to switch between perspectives - knowing what an actor needs to feel free in a role while also having the director’s vision for how everything comes together on screen.
What are you passionate about in your art?
I’m passionate about capturing the complexities of being human through film. I love telling stories about what drives us, the unspoken dynamics in our relationships, and the psychology behind our choices. At the same time, I’m motivated to create films that are engaging visually and sonically, where every detail adds depth to the story. And, of course, the opportunity to work with inspiring, talented people is both motivating and fulfilling.
Has your gender influenced your art, and if so, how?
Creatively, I’ve never been particularly conscious of my gender - or viewed it as a factor in my projects. That said, I do notice a pattern in my last three short films: they all have strong female protagonists. From a vulnerable yet resilient 10-year-old girl to a teenager navigating through youth and sexuality, to my most recent film, which portrays three generations of women - a daughter, a mother, and a grandmother. Maybe subconsciously, I felt a need for more nuanced female characters on screen, where women’s layers and complexities - both strengths and vulnerabilities - are given space. Role models we can root for, relate to, and see ourselves in. In my experience working within the professional film industry, I have sometimes felt the pressure to prove myself a bit more, especially being young, female, and determined to direct films. But I’ve tried to turn that resistance into a strength and motivation. Rather than being held back by others’ perceptions of what women can or cannot do, I focus on showing that our abilities are defined by us.
When do you feel most challenged?
I think I feel most challenged when I neglect my own well-being. If I don’t eat properly, drink water, get enough sleep, or stay active with things like walking or yoga, my energy dips, and everything feels a lot harder. That’s why I focus on staying healthy, both physically and mentally, so I’m ready for whatever challenges come my way. I also feel challenged if I receive a rejection when applying for funding for a project. It always takes a little time to get back on your feet, as it can be disappointing when others don’t see your ideas as fantastic as you do. At the same time, I’m learning that rejections often lead to better projects, as they force me to work with the material once again, which usually results in something positive. Like many things in life, it’s often about seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty.
What matters most to you?
My family - my mom, dad, and older brother - along with all of my friends, laughter, film-projects, my apartment, nice dinners, hot yoga classes, midday naps, a walk in the sun... basically, all the big and small things that shape my everyday life.
EMILIE'S FAVOURITE KOKOON STYLES
