Danish Stars Dar Salim and Trine Dyrholm Tackle Veteran PTSD in New Projects

Danish actors Dar Salim and Trine Dyrholm are spotlighting post-traumatic stress disorder in their latest roles. They discussed their new projects at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Both performers delve into the complex psychological wounds of soldiers.

Their films provide a raw look at the lasting impact of combat. This focus on mental health is both timely and deeply personal for the stars.

Hercules Falling Blends Fiction with Real Veteran Experiences

Dar Salim’s new film, Hercules Falling, world premiered at the festival. He plays Youssef, a veteran grappling with severe anger from his war service. The character enrolls in a special facility to regain control.

The movie is set on the Danish island of Strynø. It uses a real retreat center run by Stuart Press, an Australian Army veteran with PTSD. According to the festival, Salim delivers a performance of “brutal honesty.”

Salim emphasized the unique approach of the film. He said the main difference is the use of real veterans. Youssef’s story is a cocktail of their real-life experiences.

The Broader Impact of Authentic PTSD Portrayal

This authentic portrayal aims to create a deeper connection with audiences. Salim explained that working with real people adds a special layer to the story. He acted as a sponge, absorbing their energy to translate it to the screen.

For Salim, the subject is personal. He is a product of war, having fled Iraq as a child. He stated that PTSD is not a foreign concept to him.

The film has already resonated with veteran communities. Salim shared that he has received heartfelt messages from people who finally feel seen. He hopes the movie helps society remember the suffering of veterans and their families.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the film Hercules Falling about?

It follows a war veteran named Youssef who struggles with severe anger and PTSD. He enters a special facility on a Danish island to learn to control his emotions. The film blends documentary and fiction elements.

Who does Trine Dyrholm play in The Danish Woman?

She portrays Ditte Jensen, a retired Danish Secret Service agent. The character is a trained warrior who cannot leave her past behind. The director describes her as a mix of Napoleon, Pippi Longstocking, and Rambo.

How did Dar Salim prepare for his role?

He spent time with real veterans at the retreat center where the film was shot. He listened to their stories and learned from their experiences. Salim described feeling like an amateur among these professionals.

Why is this portrayal of PTSD considered unique?

The film integrates the real stories and experiences of actual war veterans. This method provides a layer of authenticity that is difficult to achieve with actors alone. The goal is to create a more profound and genuine impact on the viewer.

What was the personal significance for Dar Salim?

Salim’s family fled from Iraq when he was a child, making war a part of his personal history. He stated that the theme of being hurt and broken is universally relatable. He can recognize the feeling of not living up to one’s own image.