Thomas Vinterberg’s debut as a television director, “Families Like Ours” (Familier som vores), premiered to resounding applause at the Venice Film Festival. Following this initial screening, Vinterberg shared his thoughts on the emotional experience during an interview.

“The reception and applause are wonderful and a huge relief. But watching my own work is a little bit nerve-wracking, I must say,” he stated. Four years of intense work culminated in a positive audience reaction, which deeply moved the director, as evidenced by the visible emotions in the crowd.

Vinterberg noted the difference in audience reactions compared to his Oscar-winning film “Another Round” (Druk). While “Another Round” elicited a celebratory atmosphere, “Families Like Ours” received a far more intense and emotional response. “People in the audience were very touched, and they were also quite shaken. Shocked, I think. It was a very strong reaction. Perhaps the strongest I’ve had in a long time,” he explained.

The series, developed by Vinterberg and Bo Hr. Hansen, will officially premiere on Danish television on October 20 on TV 2 and TV 2 Play. With seven episodes, “Families Like Ours” explores a dystopian future where Denmark must be evacuated due to rising water levels. This narrative creates chaos but also offers hope for reunification among friends and families.

For Vinterberg, the series is a love letter to Denmark, and he eagerly awaits the audience’s reactions at home. “It’s our country that I’ve put on the line. So that’s what matters most to me,” he elaborated, adding that Danish specificity could resonate universally.

This premiere marks another chapter in Vinterberg’s career, and early signs indicate that “Families Like Ours” may become a significant success both domestically and internationally.