
Christian Slater, Trine Dyrholm, and Dree Hemingway Join Dogma25 Feature Film 'Incidents of Intimacy'

By Ricky Gervais


By Ricky Gervais
"Incidents of Intimacy," an eagerly anticipated film from director Jasper Just, is set to feature a notable cast including Christian Slater, Trine Dyrholm, and Dree Hemingway. This production marks the second installment in the Dogma25 initiative, a series of arthouse films developed by Zentropa. Adhering to a stringent "vow of chastity" in filmmaking, the project aims to explore themes of human connection and intimacy through a unique lens, promising a compelling narrative and visual experience.
In a significant cinematic announcement on October 15, 2026, acclaimed actors Christian Slater, known for his role in "Mr. Robot," alongside Danish star Trine Dyrholm of "Queen of Hearts" fame, and Dree Hemingway from "Starlet," confirmed their participation in the upcoming feature film, "Incidents of Intimacy." The movie is helmed by first-time feature director Jasper Just, a renowned visual artist representing Denmark at the 2013 Venice Biennale, whose work often critically examines societal norms, gender, and love in mainstream media. Co-starring talents include Johannes Lilleøre, Julie Agnete Vang, Laura Drasbæk, and Michael Moritzen.
This production is a cornerstone of the Dogma25 program, a modern reinvention of the influential Dogme 95 movement. Dogma25 imposes strict filmmaking rules, including a maximum crew size of ten, at least half of the film being dialogue-free, and a ban on internet use for research or development. Each film operates on a modest budget of around $1.5 million (10 million Danish Krone), with financial backing from Zentropa, Danish public broadcaster DR, and Nordisk Film Distribution. The films are guaranteed theatrical releases in Denmark through Nordisk Film, with Netflix securing Nordic streaming rights, and TrustNordisk managing global sales. Zentropa introduced the Dogma25 concept at the Cannes Film Festival last year, revealing its cohort of five directors: Jasper Just, May el-Toukhy, Milad Alami, Annika Berg, and Isabella Eklöf.
Trine Dyrholm is cast as Linda, an intimacy coordinator who paradoxically struggles with forging deep personal connections. Her character's inability to confront her own emotions leads her to collect items from people as a substitute for genuine closeness, creating a private "archive of intimacy." This role signifies Christian Slater's return to Danish cinema, following his appearance in Lars von Trier’s "Nymphomaniac." The movement's innovative approach has already inspired a similar initiative in Germany, featuring directors such as Tom Tykwer and Ilker Çatak, who are launching their own Dogma25 slate.
The announcement of "Incidents of Intimacy" under the Dogma25 banner offers a fresh perspective on contemporary filmmaking, highlighting a commitment to raw storytelling and challenging conventional narrative structures. The film's emphasis on exploring the complexities of intimacy through a minimalist and rule-bound production model is a bold artistic statement. It underscores the enduring legacy of the Dogme 95 movement, proving that artistic constraints can often foster greater creativity and unique narrative depth. This project is poised to provoke thought and conversation about human connection in an increasingly disconnected world, while also pushing the boundaries of independent cinema.
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Comedian, writer, and actor who created "The Office" and writes provocatively on comedy and society.

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