Empire
Viften
Synopsis
As a “free colored” woman, Anna Elizabeth Heegaard is wealthy and owns her own slaves when she begins a love affair with the Danish colony’s governor-general Peter von Scholten. During communal feasts, they discuss social reforms while a slave boy hangs above the table and cools the diners with a feather. And in the shadows, whispers begin of a slave revolt.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Anna Neye Poulsen
Anna
Sara Fanta Traore
Petrine
Claus Riis Østergaard
Peter Von Scholten
Jesper Groth
Admiral Irminger
Tyler Errol Murray
Frederik
Caroline Henderson
Gudrun
James L. Sampson
Tom
Søs Sif Thiele
Mrs. Nielsen
Jesper Asholt
Mr. Nielsen
Anders Brink Madsen
Mr. Hagensen
Chérie Celeste Malone
Ester
Prince Yaw Appiah
Sorte Svend
Christopher Læssø
Butler
Peter Gantzler
The King
Karen Mukupa
Sif
Mikkel Hilgart
Auctioneer
Søren Sætter-Lassen
Narrator
Release History & Theatrical Window
Göteborg Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Frederikke Aspöck
- Screenplay & Story
- Anna Neye Poulsen
- Original Score
- Rasmus Bille Bähncke
- Original Title
- Viften
- Country of Origin
- Denmark, Spain, Sweden
- Spoken Languages
- Danish, English
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Production Studios
- Meta Film, Brain Academy, Seven Islands Film, SF Studios, SVT, DR
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Frederikke Aspöck
Anna Neye Poulsen
Rasmus Bille Bähncke
Martin Schade
Frederikke Aspöck, Michael Friedl, Nina Leidersdorff, Anna Neye Poulsen, Andreas Rostock
Department Leadership Roster
Frederikke Aspöck
Director
Anna Neye Poulsen
Writer
Nina Leidersdorff
Producer
Pernille Munk Skydsgaard
Producer
Meta Louise Foldager Sørensen
Producer
Martin Schade
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Empire.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Empire.
2026 + alex
More Like Empire
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Empire
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Empire about?
As a “free colored” woman, Anna Elizabeth Heegaard is wealthy and owns her own slaves when she begins a love affair with the Danish colony’s governor-general Peter von Scholten. During communal feasts, they discuss social reforms while a slave boy hangs above the table and cools the diners with a feather. And in the shadows, whispers begin of a slave revolt.
Who directed Empire?
Empire was directed by Frederikke Aspöck.
Who stars in Empire?
The principal cast of Empire includes Anna Neye Poulsen, Sara Fanta Traore, Claus Riis Østergaard, Jesper Groth, Tyler Errol Murray.
When was Empire released and how long is it?
Empire was released in 2023 with a total runtime of 1h 33m.
Who composed the musical score for Empire?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Empire was composed by Rasmus Bille Bähncke.