Anna Karina

Anna Karina (born Hanne Karin Blarke Bayer; 22 September 1940 – 14 December 2019), was an iconic Danish-French film actress, director, writer, model, and singer. She was known for her early collaborations with the notable French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard, who was also her first husband. She starred in some of his most significant works like 'The Little Soldier', 'A Woman Is a Woman', 'My Life to Live', 'Bande à part (Band of Outsiders)', 'Pierrot le Fou', and 'Alphaville'. Notably, her stellar performance in 'A Woman Is a Woman' garnered her the Silver Bear Award for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival. In addition to her cinematic work, Karina also had successful stints as a singer and novelist. Born in Frederiksberg, Denmark, she dreamt of acting from a young age and eventually moved to Paris in pursuit of her dreams at 17. Over the years, she established herself as a staple in French New Wave cinema and is also regarded as a style icon.

In 1972, she started her own production company for 'Vivre ensemble', her directorial debut, screened in the Critics' Week lineup at the 26th Cannes Film Festival. She additionally directed the French-Canadian film, 'Victoria'. The New York Times recognized her as 'one of the screen's great beauties and an enduring symbol of the French New Wave'. Despite a challenging childhood and early struggles, she managed to etch an indelible mark in the world of cinema while exploring other creative avenues like singing and writing. Her undeniable talent, combined with her infectious spirit and enduring resilience, made her a beloved figure in the film industry and beyond.