May el-Toukhy

May el-Toukhy is a Danish-Egyptian film director and screenwriter, born in 1977 in a suburb of Copenhagen to a Danish mother and an Egyptian father.^[1][2] She is best known for her feature films Long Story Short (2015), a comedy-drama that marked her directorial debut and earned her the Bodil Award for Best Screenplay, and Queen of Hearts (2019), a provocative drama about taboo relationships that won the Bodil Award for Best Film, the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, and was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.^[2][3][4] El-Toukhy graduated from the Danish National School of Performing Arts in 2002 and later from the National Film School of Denmark in 2009, where she honed her skills in directing after an initial background in theatre and radio plays.^[1][2] Her television work includes directing episodes of acclaimed Danish series such as The Legacy (2017), Ride Upon the Storm (2018), Cry Wolf (2020), and episodes of the Netflix series The Crown (seasons 5 and 6, 2022–2023).^[3][2] Queen of Hearts also received over 25 international awards, including the Nordic Council Film Prize and multiple wins at Denmark's Robert Awards, and inspired a French remake titled Last Summer (2023).^[3][4] Currently, el-Toukhy is developing her third feature film, Woman, Unknown, a post-World War II drama co-written with Maren Louise Käehne; principal photography began in late September 2025, and as of November 2025, the film is in post-production.^[5][6] In May 2025, el-Toukhy co-founded Dogma 25, a new Danish filmmaking collective inspired by Dogme 95, announced at the Cannes Film Festival.^[7]

Early life and education

Early life

May el-Toukhy was born on August 17, 1977, in Charlottenlund, a suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark.^[8] She grew up in a multicultural household as the daughter of a Danish mother, Elisabeth Friis-Larsen, a rental worker, and an Egyptian father, Mohamed Hussein Said el-Toukhy, an engineer.^[8] This Danish-Egyptian heritage shaped her early experiences in the affluent suburban environment of Charlottenlund, near Copenhagen, where she was raised in a setting that blended Scandinavian and Middle Eastern cultural influences.^[8][1] As a child from a minority background in Scandinavia, el-Toukhy often felt invisible in the fiction she encountered, longing for nonwhite representation that reflected her own identity.^[9] These childhood experiences of limited visibility influenced her later thematic interests in identity, relationships, and power structures, particularly through the lens of underrepresented perspectives.^[9]

Education

May el-Toukhy began her formal training in the performing arts at the Danish National School of Performing Arts (Den Danske Scenekunstskole), where she focused on theatre and graduated in 2002.^[10] This program emphasized practical theatre skills, providing her with a deep understanding of character development and stage dynamics.^[11] Building on this foundation, el-Toukhy pursued advanced studies in film at the National Film School of Denmark (Den Danske Filmskole), graduating as a director in 2009.^[10] Her training there included rigorous coursework in directing techniques, such as script analysis, visual composition, and actor collaboration, tailored to transitioning performative elements to the screen.^[1] El-Toukhy's theatre education laid essential groundwork for her narrative storytelling in film, enabling her to craft intricate, character-driven plots that draw from dramatic traditions to explore human behavior and emotional depth.^[2]

Professional career

Theatre and early directing

Following her graduation from the Danish National School of Performing Arts in 2002, where she trained as a production manager, May el-Toukhy began her professional career in theatre, focusing on directing and production roles within Denmark's performing arts scene.^[10] She also directed several radio plays during this early period. She contributed to various stage productions and collaborations, honing her skills in dramatic storytelling and ensemble dynamics, though specific directing credits from this period remain limited in public records.^[1] This foundational work in theatre laid the groundwork for her exploration of complex human relationships, a recurring theme in her later projects. El-Toukhy transitioned to film directing during her studies at the National Film School of Denmark, graduating in 2009. Around this time, she developed early film projects independently and through school initiatives, marking her shift from stage to screen.^[2] In 2009, she won the Nordic Talents Pitch Prize for her project Cairo, a recognition that highlighted her emerging voice in narrative filmmaking.^[12] A key early work from this period is the 2009 short film Bits & Pieces (Stykke for stykke), a 29-minute fiction piece produced at the National Film School. Set in Copenhagen's theatre world, the film follows actors navigating romance and professional tensions, exemplified by the budding relationship between costume dresser Helene and actor Alex amid backstage drama.^[13] Through intimate character studies and subtle emotional undercurrents, Bits & Pieces showcased el-Toukhy's style of blending everyday realism with relational depth, foreshadowing her focus on interpersonal conflicts in drama.^[13] As a Danish-Egyptian director in Denmark's predominantly homogeneous creative industry, el-Toukhy faced challenges in establishing her presence, including a personal sense of invisibility in media representation during her formative years.^[9] Her breakthrough came through persistent engagement with film institutions and awards like the Nordic Talents prize, which provided crucial validation and resources to bridge her theatre roots with cinematic ambitions.^[12]

Feature films

May el-Toukhy's feature film debut, Long Story Short (original title: Lang historie kort), was released in Denmark on May 7, 2015. She directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Maren Louise Käehne.^[14] The film stars Mille Lehfeldt, Jens Albinus, Trine Dyrholm, and Danica Curcic, and has a runtime of 100 minutes.^[15] It was produced by SF Studios in Denmark.^[16] Her second feature, Queen of Hearts (original title: Dronningen), premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival on January 31, 2019. El-Toukhy directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Maren Louise Käehne.^[17] The cast includes Trine Dyrholm, Gustav Lindh, and Magnus Krepper, with a runtime of 127 minutes.^[18] The film was produced by Nordisk Film and handled for international sales by TrustNordisk. El-Toukhy's third feature, Woman, Unknown (working title), is an upcoming post-World War II drama set for release after 2025. She is directing and co-writing the screenplay with Maren Louise Käehne.^[3] The film stars Mathilde Arcel and Carsten Bjørnlund in the leading roles.^[19] It is being produced by Mikael Rieks for Nordisk Film Production A/S, in co-production with Nafta Films (Estonia) and Film i Väst (Sweden), with TrustNordisk handling international sales; principal photography began in late September 2025, with a budget of €5.8 million (as of August 2025).^[19][5][20]

Television directing

May el-Toukhy began her television directing career in Denmark with episodes of the family drama series Arvingerne (known internationally as The Legacy), where she helmed two episodes in 2017, exploring inheritance disputes and interpersonal conflicts within a wealthy family.^[21] She followed this with contributions to the first season of Herrens veje (internationally Ride Upon the Storm), directing several episodes in 2017 that delved into themes of faith, family rebellion, and patriarchal authority in a Lutheran pastor's household.^[5] These early works showcased her ability to handle ensemble casts and layered emotional narratives in episodic formats, aligning with her feature film style of intimate character studies. In 2020, el-Toukhy directed the final two episodes (7 and 8) of the Danish miniseries Cry Wolf, a social drama centered on allegations of domestic abuse within a family, as investigated by child welfare services.^[22] The series' ambiguous premise and focus on moral complexity and power imbalances in familial relationships echoed the tense, psychologically driven storytelling seen in her features like Queen of Hearts, where personal secrets unravel interpersonal bonds.^[23] Her direction emphasized emotional authenticity and subtle tension-building, contributing to the miniseries' portrayal of trauma and truth-seeking without sensationalism.^[24] El-Toukhy expanded into international television with The Crown, directing two episodes in season 5 (episodes 4, "Annus Horribilis," and 5, "The Way Ahead," aired November 2022) and two in season 6 (episodes 5, "Willsmania," and 7, "Alma Mater," aired December 2023).^[25] In season 5, her episodes captured the royal family's crises during 1992, including the Windsor Castle fire and the "Tampongate" scandal; for the latter, she approached the infamous leaked phone call as an "intimate and truthful" conversation between lovers, using close-ups and a 1990s BETA SP video aesthetic to convey wit and emotional depth while critiquing media intrusion as unjust.^[26] In "Annus Horribilis," she focused on historical accuracy in depicting personal turmoil, collaborating with researchers to humanize the monarchy's challenges.^[27] For season 6, her direction highlighted grief and youth in the royal narrative, particularly the contrasting ways Princes William and Harry processed Diana's death in "Willsmania," and the familial influences on William's university life in "Alma Mater," employing authentic settings to underscore relational dynamics and emotional isolation.^[28] These episodes marked her transition to high-profile historical drama, where she prioritized sincere character interactions over impersonation, drawing on her background in nuanced family portrayals.^[29]

Awards and recognition

Awards for Long Story Short

Long Story Short, May el-Toukhy's debut feature film released in 2015, received several accolades from Denmark's premier film awards, highlighting its sharp screenplay and strong performances under her direction. At the 69th Bodil Awards in 2016, the film won the Bodil for Best Screenplay, awarded to el-Toukhy and co-writer Maren Louise Käehne for their witty exploration of interpersonal relationships among friends in their late thirties.^[30] The film also secured the Bodil for Best Actress, given to lead performer Mille Lehfeldt for her portrayal of the awkward surgeon Ellen, whose journey anchors the ensemble narrative.^[30] In the Danish Film Academy's Robert Awards for 2016, Long Story Short earned a win for Best Supporting Actress, with Trine Dyrholm recognized for her role as a charismatic but flawed friend, a performance that complemented el-Toukhy's direction of the film's party-centric structure spanning three years.^[31] El-Toukhy received a nomination for Best Director, acknowledging her assured handling of the film's non-linear, chapter-based format that blends comedy and pathos.^[32] The screenplay was also nominated in the Robert Awards, further affirming the writing's impact.^[33] The film garnered positive critical reception in Denmark, praised for its relatable depiction of modern relationships and el-Toukhy's fresh voice as a newcomer.^[2] It achieved notable audience success domestically, contributing to its status as a box-office performer that resonated with viewers through its ensemble dynamics and humorous take on love and friendship.^[34] This acclaim marked el-Toukhy's national breakthrough, earning her the Nordisk Film Talent Award in 2016 and establishing her as a promising talent in Danish cinema, which paved the way for subsequent projects.^[10]

Awards for Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts (2019), directed by May el-Toukhy, achieved significant recognition at major Danish film awards, particularly the Bodil and Robert Awards in 2020, where its exploration of provocative themes such as power dynamics and taboo relationships drew both critical acclaim and controversy, amplifying its award momentum.^[35][36] At the 2020 Bodil Awards, the Danish Film Critics' prestigious honors, the film secured four wins, including Best Film, Best Leading Actress for Trine Dyrholm's portrayal of Anne, Best Supporting Actor for Gustav Lindh, and Best Cinematography for Jasper Spanning's work.^[35] These victories underscored the film's technical and performative excellence amid its bold narrative choices. The film dominated the 2020 Robert Awards, Denmark's equivalent to the Oscars, earning nine wins from 17 nominations. Key triumphs included Best Film, Best Director for el-Toukhy, Best Original Screenplay for el-Toukhy and co-writer Maren Louise Käehne, and Best Actress for Dyrholm, along with awards for Best Supporting Actor (Magnus Krepper), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, and Best Score.^[36] This haul highlighted the film's broad industry support and its status as a standout Danish production of the year. Internationally, Queen of Hearts premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic category, reflecting its emotional resonance with global viewers.^[37] It also won the 2019 Nordic Council Film Prize.^[38] Denmark selected the film as its official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards, though it did not advance to the shortlist or receive a nomination.^[39][40] Overall, Queen of Hearts amassed over 25 awards and 20 nominations worldwide, cementing its impact through el-Toukhy's directorial debut in features and its unflinching examination of moral ambiguity.^[41]

Other honors and nominations

El-Toukhy has amassed 12 awards and 17 nominations throughout her career for her directing and screenwriting contributions across film and television.^[42] In 2020, she shared the Carl Th. Dreyer Prize with screenwriter Maren Louise Käehne; this annual Danish honor recognizes outstanding artistic achievement in national cinema and is named after the acclaimed director Carl Theodor Dreyer.^[43] She received the Nordisk Film Talent Award in 2016, acknowledging her emergence as a promising new voice in Danish filmmaking.^[10] Her television directing, including episodes of acclaimed series like The Legacy (2017), Ride Upon the Storm (2017–2018), Cry Wolf (2020), and The Crown (2022–2023), has contributed to productions that earned collective industry recognition, such as International Emmy nominations for Ride Upon the Storm.^[44]

Filmography

Feature films

May el-Toukhy's feature film debut, Long Story Short (original title: Lang historie kort), was released in Denmark on May 7, 2015. She directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Maren Louise Käehne.^[14] The film stars Mille Lehfeldt, Jens Albinus, Trine Dyrholm, and Danica Curcic, and has a runtime of 100 minutes.^[15] It was produced by SF Studios in Denmark.^[16] Her second feature, Queen of Hearts (original title: Dronningen), premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival on January 31, 2019. El-Toukhy directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Maren Louise Käehne.^[17] The cast includes Trine Dyrholm, Gustav Lindh, and Magnus Krepper, with a runtime of 127 minutes.^[18] The film was produced by Nordisk Film and handled for international sales by TrustNordisk. El-Toukhy's third feature, Woman, Unknown (working title), is an upcoming post-World War II drama set for release after 2025. She is directing and co-writing the screenplay with Maren Louise Käehne.^[3] The film is being produced by Mikael Rieks for Nordisk Film Production A/S, in co-production with Nafta Films (Estonia) and Film i Väst (Sweden), with TrustNordisk handling international sales; principal photography began in late September 2025, and as of November 2025, production is completing, with a budget of €5.8 million.^[19][6]

Television episodes and series

May el-Toukhy's television directing credits include work on Danish and international series, with a focus on dramatic narratives.^[45] In 2017, she directed two episodes of the Danish series The Legacy (season 3): episodes 3 ("Afsnit 3") and 4 ("Afsnit 4").^[46][47] Also in 2017, she directed two episodes of the Danish series Ride Upon the Storm (season 1): episodes 9 ("Afsnit 9") and 10 ("Afsnit 10").^[48][49] In 2020, she directed two episodes of the Danish miniseries Cry Wolf, a DR production exploring themes of family secrets and abuse across eight 58-minute episodes; specifically, she helmed episodes 7 ("Afsnit 7") and 8 ("Afsnit 8").^[22][24] For The Crown on Netflix, el-Toukhy directed two episodes in season 5 (2022): episode 4, "Annus Horribilis," and episode 5, "The Way Ahead," both written by Peter Morgan and focusing on royal family tensions in the early 1990s.^[50][25][51] She returned for season 6 (2023), directing two episodes: episode 4, "Willsmania," and episode 5, "Alma Mater," which delve into the aftermath of Princess Diana's death and Prince William's young adulthood.^[29][52][28]