A cinematic journey through Reykjavik: Music, films, and hot springs
Picture this: A post-metal band playing against the backdrop of an ancient Viking saga, Björk attending screenings of the latest films, and filmmakers lounging in mineral-rich hot springs by the ocean. This isn’t a fantasy, but a typical day at the Reykjavik International Film Festival.
Not just hot springs and Vikings
Iceland, poised perfectly between Europe and North America, is rapidly cementing its place as a prime shooting destination. RIFF (Reykjavik International Film Festival) offers a dynamic hub for filmmakers to network and explore production opportunities in a country boasting substantial production incentives.
Rooftop talks and industry insights
RIFF director Hrönn Marinósdóttir shares her perspective, ”The festival is a fertile ground for interactions. The Icelandic film scene is burgeoning, with our filmmakers gaining notable recognition in prestigious events like Venice.”
A uniquely Icelandic flair
Held in early October, the RIFF captures the essence of Icelandic culture. This year, metal band Sólstafir performed during the screening of the Viking epic When the Raven Flies. Such events are held at the Haskolabio building of the University of Iceland, featuring five auditoriums and a lively bar and lounge space for festivalgoers.
Hrönn Marinósdóttir explains, “We aim to curate eccentric experiences—swim-ins, drive-ins, and even an ice cave cinema, to appeal to a diverse audience.”
From university project to cinematic landmark
Starting 21 years ago as a modest university undertaking, the festival began with just 17 films focused on Icelanders abroad. Today, it’s a hallmark event in the global film industry, despite the initial challenges of securing funding and navigating political landscapes as a non-filmmaker.
Noteworthy guests and enlightening discussions
This year’s festival shined with master classes and retrospectives featuring Nastassja Kinski, Bong Joon-Ho, Swedish music video director Jonas Åkerlund, and Greek filmmaker Athina Rachel Tsangari. A standout moment was the screening of the 2003 animated Daft Punk film Interstella 5555, bringing a mix of nostalgia and modernity.
Industry Days provided engaging platforms with discussions on AI, wardrobe and makeup workshops, future industry panels, and works-in-progress screenings. Highlighting a commitment to industry progression, members partook in a roundtable with Iceland’s president to emphasize community spaces like record shops and independent cinemas.
Field trips fostering connection
No festival experience is complete without immersive excursions. Participants marveled at the scenic Hvammsvik Hot Springs and Thorufoss waterfall, a notable Game of Thrones filming location, enhancing the bond between filmmakers and participants.
Programming that resonates
Frederic Boyer, head of programming, reflects on RIFF’s impact, “Our audience has a deep love for music, cinema, and spirited dialogues. After the screening of Tsangari’s Harvest, attendees were engrossed in discussions, questioning for an entire hour.”
Celebrating cinematic excellence
This year’s Golden Puffin award went to Kohei Igarashi’s Super Happy Forever, praised for its delicate and luminous narrative. The Different Tomorrow award, spotlighting films that provoke societal debates and propose solutions, honored Silje Evensmo Jacobsen’s documentary A New Kind of Wilderness.
Traversing Iceland during the festival, one realizes that RIFF is more than a cinematic event. It’s a testament to creativity, cultural exchange, and the power of film to unite global communities.
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