A modern-day state funeral
Det Sidste Ord (Famous Last Words) is an interview with a public figure, which will be aired only after the person has died. The interview is recorded in a studio without an audience, with only the host and the interviewee present. Cameras are operated remotely by a crew who cannot hear what is being discussed. The unique format allows celebreties to be unusually candid. Perhaps they would like to voice a regret, give a special thank you, or to spill a secret. Nevertheless, it is clear that this is a public farewell, in which a famous musician, sports star, comedian, actor, business leader or politician is talking to their audience for the last time.
In addition to the edited television broadcast, which airs shortly after the death of the interviewee, the raw recordings are kept in the archives of the Royal Danish Library, which will preserve the conversation in full as a cultural heritage for future generations.
Photographer: Peter Hove Olesen.
Unmute
Done in collaboration with Mikael Bertelsen and Jesper Zartov.
Photographer: Klaus Vedfelt.
