After years abroad, Danish actress Birgitte Hjort Sørensen reflects on what she misses from Denmark’s creative scene and what she learned from the stricter film culture overseas.
Life Between Denmark and Abroad
Birgitte Hjort Sørensen became a household name in Denmark through the political drama *Borgen*, one of the country’s most internationally celebrated series. The show not only established her as a star at home but also opened doors abroad. Her breakout led her to roles in Hollywood, such as in *Pitch Perfect 2* and *Game of Thrones*.
While working overseas, Sørensen discovered a very different professional environment. When she joined the HBO series *Vinyl* a decade ago, she was surprised by the structure and energy during the first table read. Everyone came prepared as if performing for a live audience. Even actors who were supposed to sing did so on the spot, without accompaniment.
According to Sørensen, that kind of preparation and discipline made a strong impression on her. She believes Danish productions could benefit from a similar attitude.
A More Democratic Film Culture
Back home in Denmark, Sørensen describes the atmosphere on set as relaxed and highly collaborative. The Danish industry tends to be flat and democratic, where everyone feels free to offer input—from the lighting technician to the lead actor. It can create a pleasant sense of equality, but it can also lead to less discipline compared to the more hierarchical systems she experienced abroad.
While filming outside Denmark, Sørensen learned that questioning the script or suggesting dialogue changes wasn’t part of the culture. Instead, actors followed direction closely. She realized that hierarchy could actually serve as a creative advantage because it made roles and responsibilities clearer.
At the same time, she appreciates Danish teamwork and openness, qualities that she feels foster creativity in a different way. This balance between structure and collaboration has become a recurring theme in her career.
Returning Home for Family and Balance
In 2016, after several years of working internationally, Sørensen decided to move back to Denmark. She missed her home life and wanted to start a family within a work environment that offered more predictable hours and a stronger social safety net.
Still, she remains unsure whether she prefers the Danish or foreign approach. The Danish system allows space for experimentation and shared ownership, but the foreign system enforces a level of discipline she deeply respects. She points out that this difference may come from social factors. Outside Denmark, actors lack the same financial and social security that comes from Denmark’s welfare structure. Because of that, people push themselves harder. Everyone strives to perform better because failure carries greater personal risk.
Learning from Both Worlds
Sørensen’s experience demonstrates how national work cultures shape creativity. In Denmark, the film industry relies on trust and equality. In contrast, productions in places like the United States or the United Kingdom operate within firm hierarchies that demand clear leadership and strict preparation.
Interestingly, she sees benefits in both systems. The Danish approach nurtures freedom, while the international model demands excellence. The challenge, according to Sørensen, is finding a way to combine them—maintaining Danish openness while adopting the best of the structure and rigor from abroad.
Her journey mirrors the experiences of many Danish artists who move between domestic and global stages. Actors like Birgitte Hjort Sørensen represent a generation that navigates both markets and inspires the next wave of talent to work internationally while remaining rooted in Denmark’s cultural values.
Looking Ahead
Now settled back in Copenhagen, Sørensen continues to act in both Danish and international projects. Her reflections highlight how global collaboration shapes local art. She misses aspects of the Danish stage, particularly its sense of community, but also carries with her the discipline she learned abroad.
Because of that blend, she maintains a strong reputation in both film industries. Her story reminds many in Denmark’s creative circles that combining international rigor with Danish openness can raise the standard for everyone involved.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Birgitte Hjort Sørensen: Danish Drama to Hollywood
The Danish Dream: Best Actors in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Efter mange år i udlandet savner hun noget på den danske scene
