Odense is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, a world-renowned Danish author best remembered for his fairy tales, including “The Little Mermaid”, “The Snow Queen”, “Thumbelina”, “The Ugly Duckling”, and others. The first Odense Film Festival was held in 1975 to mark the 100th anniversary of Andersen’s death. The event entitled the International Fairy Tale Festival was initiated by Bent Aagaard, the then film editor for a local newspaper. It screened only animation films.
Aagaard served as the festival director for seven years. In 1983, he was succeeded by Danish film director, screenwriter and producer Henning Carlsen. Carlsen expanded the festival program to include all kinds of short films and renamed it the Odense International Film Festival.
The Odense International Film Festival was originally held biennially, on odd years. In 1997, it merged with the Danish Film Festival that was also held in Odense, but on even years. Following the merger, the festival became an annual event that was to screen both Danish and foreign films.
The present-day OFF screens animation, documentary and live-action films no longer than 30 minutes. The festival hosts four film competitions: the Main Competition, the Danish Competition, the Animation Competition, and the Youth Competition. Each competition has its own jury that presents awards in several categories. Besides, there is an Audience Award. In addition, OFF is an Academy-Award qualifying festival: the winners of the International, National and Animation Competition are eligible for Oscars.
Along with the competition program, the Odense International Film Festival features a focus program which includes out-of-competition film screenings, seminars and debates. Other events and activities in the festival program include open-air film screenings, a talent symposium for Danish film students, and an assortment of workshops, screenings and other attractions for children and young people. OFF also hosts PLAYOFF, a three-day festival within the festival that focuses on gaming, animation and film.
Photo: filmfestival.dk
