Per Holst’s Final Cut: The Danish Maestro Behind von Trier’s Darkest Dreams Bows Out at 86—What Secrets Did He Take to the Grave?
Added on August 25, 2025 inMovie News Cards
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Ever wonder if the stars aligned just so when Per Holst first stepped onto the Danish film scene? Well, today under a sky swirling with Virgo’s meticulous energy, we bid farewell to a true cinematic craftsman — Per Holst, the legendary director-producer who worked with big names like Lars von Trier and cooked up one of Denmark’s highest-grossing films, “Walter and Carlo — Up on Daddy’s Hat.” At 86, Holst’s story wrapped up on a quiet Saturday, leaving behind a legacy rich with Oscar-winning magic (hello, Pelle the Conqueror!), fiesta-worthy film credits, and a lifetime of nurturing the European Film College and Danish Film Institute. Whether you’re a cinephile or just someone who loves a good story, his journey reminds us how sometimes, a little stardust and a lot of grit make all the difference. Curious to dive deeper into his remarkable voyage? LEARN MORE
Danish filmmaker Per Holst, who produced films by the likes of Lars von Trier and directed one of the most successful Danish films of all time, has died. He was 86.
The director-producer died Saturday, according to his son, actor Morten Holst. The cause of death was not immediately available.
As a producer, Holst’s credits include films by von Trier (The Element of Crime), Nils Malmros (Tree of Knowledge, Beauty and the Beast, Arhus by Night, Barbara and Paion of Love) and Bille August (Zappa, Twist & Shout and Pelle the Conqueror, which won the 1989 Oscar for best foreign-language film).
He also directed the 1985 film Walter and Carlo — Up on Daddy’s Hat, which is one of the highest-grossing Danish movies of all time.
Holst also served as chairman of the board of the European Film College from 2000-05 and served on the Danish Film Institute’s Feature Film Committee for several years.
Throughout his career, he received several awards, including the Honorary Bodil in 1985, the Honorary Robert in 1995, LO’s Culture Prize in 1998 and the Ib Prize in 2019.
Holst is survived by his wife and four sons.
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