Peter Elfelt

(1866 - 1931)

Peter Elfelt was a pioneering Danish photographer and filmmaker, recognized as Denmark's first filmmaker. Initially establishing himself as a prominent portrait photographer in Copenhagen, he became the royal court photographer in 1900. In 1897, Elfelt began producing documentary films, capturing significant national events and daily life in Denmark. He directed Denmark's first fiction film, The Execution (1903). Over his career, Elfelt produced approximately 200 films, many of which have been lost, but his contributions laid the foundation for Danish cinema.