Watch Mads Mikkelsen in the trailer for Nikolaj Arcel’s The Promised Land

Photo Credit: Nikolaj Arcel

In 1755, the impoverished Captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to conquer the uninhabitable Danish heath in the name of the King. But the sole ruler of the area, the merciless Frederik de Schinkel, who believes the land belongs to him, swears revenge when the maid Ann Barbara and her serf husband escape for refuge with Kahlen.

From BAFTA-nominated writer and director Nikolaj Arcel (A Royal Affair, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), the film stars BAFTA nominee Mads Mikkelsen (The Hunt, Another Round), Amanda Collin (Raised by Wolves), Simon Bennebjerg (Borgen), Kristine Kujath Thorp (Sick of Myself) and Gustav Lindh (The Northman).

This powerful Nordic western had its World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it was in competition for the coveted Golden Lion. It was also selected for TIFF and Telluride Film Festival in 2023, earning strong reviews. The Promised Land has now been chosen as Denmark’s entry for Best International Feature at the 2024 Oscars, with Mikkelsen currently in contention for ‘European Actor’ at the European Film Awards.

Icon Film Distribution presents The Promised Land in selected UK cinemas from 2 February 2024.