Lars von Trier’s Zentropa hires ex-Viaplay exec Nicole Horanyi to head new docs unit

Director Lars von Trier’s Danish production company Zentropa has appointed former Viaplay head of documentaries Nicole Horanyi to spearhead a new documentary division.

Nicole Horanyi

Horanyi is an award-winning filmmaker who led Viaplay’s documentary activities in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland and the Netherlands from 2022 to 2023.

At the streamer, she was responsible for producing docs including The Danish Prime Minister: Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Most Remote Restaurant in the World and Max Verstappen – Anatomy of a Champion.

Prior to Viaplay, Horanyi’s directing credits included Motley’s Law for Denmark’s DR, A Stranger Moves In for TV2 in Denmark and Natascha Kampusch – A Lifetime in Prison for Viaplay.

She will now oversee Zentropa Documentary, which will develop films and series for cinema, broadcast and streaming platforms.

“We share a vision of creating broad, audience-oriented documentary productions grounded in solid artistic principles,” said Horanyi. “I am passionate about developing modern and complex narratives about reality that set a national agenda and leave a lasting impact on society.”

Producers Sisse Graum Jørgensen and Louise Vesth, part of Zentropa’s management team, said in a joint statement the appointment was reflective of “the global demand for compelling documentary content, and in alignment with our commitment to expanding our international reach.”

Zentropa was set up by Von Trier (Antichrist, Dogville, Nymphomaniac) and Peter Aalbæk Jensen more than three decades ago and runs its sales via Copenhagen-based TrustNordisk. The latter’s MD, Susan Wendt, said the addition of Zentropa docs to the company’s line-up would enhance its portfolio, with the first crop of titles expected within a year.