“A gripping, superbly acted account” (Variety) — on May 4, see the gripping new Danish autobiographical film Held for Ransom (Denmark, 2019; dir. Niels Arden Oplev) at Scandinavia House!

In  2013, Danish photojournalist Daniel Rye (Esben Smed) was kidnapped by ISIS while documenting the civilian refugee crisis in Syria. Over his next 13 months of captivity, Rye endured torture, beatings, and threats of execution, first on his own and then alongside 19 other international hostages, including the American journalist James Foley. Based on the book by Puk Damsgård, Daniel follows Rye’s experiences through capture and captivity, his relationships with other prisoners, and the Rye family’s fears that they may never see their son alive again; while hostage negotiator Arthur navigates for their release with the Islamic State and Danish government, Daniel struggles to survive. (138 min. In Danish and English with English subtitles)

“A polished, moving, muscular thriller that never exploits or simplistically reduces its real-life horrors for entertainment value”—Variety

This screening will take place in Victor Borge Hall; attendees are required to follow all Scandinavia House safety protocols, including wearing masks during the program and observing social distancing rules in signage. Please read our full safety protocols here. ASF is committed to providing an environment free from harassment or discrimination in the treatment of individuals and does not permit harassment or discrimination in any forms (whether racial, sexual, religious, orientation or others) within our building. Any visitors who do not abide by these policies will be required to leave. Read our our Non-Discrimination Policy here.