Astrid Henning-Jensen

Astrid Henning-Jensen (December 10, 1914 - January 5, 2002; one source indicates January 7, 2002) was a Danish film director and screenwriter. Her film Paw was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1959. Born as Astrid Smahl in Frederiksberg, Denmark, she began her career as an actress. After becoming a director she directed over 20 films. Her films often dealt with women's and children's issues. Her debut film, Palle A... more

Astrid Henning-Jensen (December 10, 1914 - January 5, 2002; one source indicates January 7, 2002) was a Danish film director and screenwriter. Her film Paw was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1959. Born as Astrid Smahl in Frederiksberg, Denmark, she began her career as an actress. After becoming a director she directed over 20 films. Her films often dealt with women's and children's issues. Her debut film, Palle Alene I Verden (1949) won a special jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival. She died in Copenhagen from natural causes at age 87. She was married to Bjarne Henning-Jensen from October 6, 1938 until his death on February 21, 1995. less