As a seasoned movie critic with over two decades of industry experience under my belt, I must say that the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) is a unique and captivating event like no other. Held in the heart of Iceland, this festival offers a perfect blend of film, music, culinary delights, and geothermal wonders that make it an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
On an ordinary day at the Reykjavik International Film Festival, a post-metal band performs during a showing of an old Viking tale, while Björk attends screenings featuring Pedro Almodovar’s and Athina Rachel Tsingari’s latest films. Filmmakers unwind in soothing mineral waters by the sea’s edge, and industry professionals gather at the President of Iceland’s residence to discuss the film industry’s current state.
However, Iceland isn’t merely known for hot springs and Vikings; strategically positioned between Europe and North America, it’s thriving as a location for filming. RIFF offers an essential platform where filmmakers can connect and gain insights into the dynamic production environment of this small nation that offers substantial incentives.
According to RIFF director Hrönn Marinósdóttir, “the festival is an excellent spot for people to connect,” she notes. “The Icelandic film industry is thriving. In my opinion, we’re nurturing a fresh crop of incredibly gifted filmmakers who are being warmly welcomed at major festivals, such as Venice this year.
The festival occurs around early October, when temperatures are pleasant and it remains light until 7 p.m., maintaining a distinctly Icelandic character. Every year, director Marinósdóttir and her team curate events featuring unconventional experiences such as outdoor movie screenings in the city’s numerous warm public pools, gastronomical cinema events, and music-focused programming like this year’s metal band Sòlstafir concert at the “When the Raven Flies” retrospective, a well-loved 1984 Viking adventure. Typically, screenings are held at the Haskolabio building on the University of Iceland campus, boasting five auditoriums, a bar, and a lounge where attendees gather.
As a cinephile, I strive to cater to diverse tastes, hosting unique events such as poolside screenings, drive-in movies, and even a cinema nestled within an icy cavern, all in an effort to captivate various audiences.
Marinósdóttir has been in charge of the festival since she first initiated it as part of her university work 21 years ago. “At first, it was quite modest — just 17 films focusing on Icelanders residing overseas, such as those with Canadian ancestry,” she clarifies.
Marinósdóttir remembers encountering numerous hurdles when it came to securing the budget, as well as political obstacles due to her non-filmmaker status. It was unexpected to some Icelandic filmmakers that a journalist and a woman would take the initiative to organize such an event.
This year’s event showcased master classes and retrospectives, which included distinguished guests such as Nastassja Kinski, Bong Joon-Ho, Swedish music video and feature director Jonas Akerlund, and Greek filmmaker Tsingari. The screening of the 2003 animated Daft Punk movie “Interstella 5555” was attended by some of its filmmakers.
At the Industry Days event, they held talks such as an AI workshop, a fashion and beauty seminar, a forum on the industry’s future, and a screening of ongoing projects. Participants were also given the opportunity to join a roundtable conversation with Iceland’s president Halla Tómasdóttir. At the president’s home, Björk, one of Iceland’s most prominent personalities, along with Tsingari, Akerlund, and others, debated on the significance of safeguarding community spaces like record stores and independent movie theaters — places that foster artists, engage youth, and combat feelings of isolation.
During Industry Days, attendees also formed connections during outings to the breathtaking Hvammsvik Hot Springs and Thorufoss waterfall, a popular film location for “Game of Thrones.
The leader of programming, Frederic Boyer, who additionally holds the position of artistic director for the Tribeca Festival and Les Arcs in France, notes that inviting filmmakers to the event stirs up a lively reaction. “Our audience is incredibly passionate about music, about Bong Joon Ho, about Daft Punk, and they’re eager to immerse themselves,” Boyer explains. Following the showing of Tsingari’s “Harvest”, moviegoers were so captivated, according to Boyer, that they asked questions for an entire hour.
This year’s victorious movies featured the Gold Puffin accolade going to the Japanese film “Super Happy Forever,” directed by Kohei Igarashi. The jurors described it as “tender and radiant.
The Distinctive Tomorrow Award, honoring films that stimulate societal debate and shed light on solutions for local and global issues, was bestowed upon the documentary “A New Kind of Wilderness,” produced by Silje Evensmo Jacobsen. This visually captivating production follows a nature-loving British-Norwegian family as they navigate their new life.
The Reykjavik International Film Festival ran Sept. 26 to Oct. 6.
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2024-10-13 03:16