Þorlákur helgi

Þorlákur helgi 1990

1

A documentary about the man, Thorlákur helgi, who was worshipped as a saint in Iceland and in Europe in the middle ages.

1990

Jews in Iceland

Jews in Iceland 1989

1

A documentary programme about jewish refugees who settled in Iceland in the 1930's.

1989

An Ancient Farm Site

An Ancient Farm Site 1989

1

Although the Icelandic Sagas contain many descriptions of stately homes, none of them stood the test of time. However, an archeological finding at Stöng in Thjórsárdal revealed the ruins of an ancient farm which had been preserved in ashes from the Mt. Hekla eruption in 1104. Knowledge from this finding and from literary sources were used to reconstruct in detail and Icelandic farmhouse from the 11th century. This film follows the project from the original designing stage in 1970 until the inauguration in 1977, showing the ancient techniques used to build houses from local building material such as turf, stone and wood.

1989

Selfportraits of Icelandic Artists

Selfportraits of Icelandic Artists 1989

1

A collection of self-portaits of Icelandic artists. A few of the artists explain their views on the self-portrait and its importance for their artistic development.

1989

Thor Vilhjalmsson

Thor Vilhjalmsson 1990

1

A documentary programme about the life and work of the Icelandic author, Thor Vilhjálmsson.

1990

The Golden Fleece

The Golden Fleece 1988

1

This documentary film shows the development of the wool industry in Iceland, and the old ways to work the wool, used on Icelandic farms throughout the centuries are demonstrated. In the film, visits are made to modern wool factories and the process of the production is followed from the beginning to the finished product.

1988

Land Without Arms

Land Without Arms 1987

1

A documentary about the perennially controversial issue of the U.S. Nato Base in Iceland. After overing the historical background of the bace, the film deals with the present situation from three different viewpoints: A) The role of the base in the context of international warfare in the North Atlantic and how Iceland would be defended in case of crises; B) The social impact that the presence of these forces has had on everyday life in Iceland, especially the surrounding communities; C) The economical importance of the base in Icelandic society. The film is an objective study of the situation and its author's purpose is to inform rather than influence the viewer.

1987

Poet of Things, Painter of Memories

Poet of Things, Painter of Memories 1986

1

A documentary film about the painter Louisa Matthíasdóttir. In amongst the turmoil and agitation of downtown Manhattan, Lousia Matthíasdóttir focuses on the calm and serene Icelandic countryside.

1986

Deep Sea Trawler Fishing

Deep Sea Trawler Fishing 1985

1

Fishing on board a modern stern trawler is the subject of this film. It is shot in the North Atlantic from 1979-1982, in all seasons and includes some sequences that are shot in extremely bad weather conditions in the winter of 1981. Different types of trawlers are shown and the landing of the catch in harbours in Iceland and Germany.

1985

The Krafla Power Station

The Krafla Power Station 1984

1

A corporate documentary on the construction of the Krafla power station, which describes thoroughly all the stages of the project until the inauguration. The documentary contains animated maps and charts for further explanation on the function of the power plant.

1984

Viðey með sundum

Viðey með sundum 1984

1

A film about the island of Viðey in Kollafjörður and its manifold role in Icelandic history.

1984

The Day Has Many Eyes

The Day Has Many Eyes 1980

1

A documentary on the inhabitants and unique natural environment of the Western Isles of Breidarfjördur bay, Iceland. Photographed in 1975-1980, the film mirrors in a one-year cycle the age-old ties between man and nature. The film asks why these islands, where there was once a flourishing community, are now practically deserted, a little known utopia where time stands still.

1980

Vatnajökull

Vatnajökull 1977

1

A film about scientific research on the glacier Vatnajökull with excerpts from films taken on the glacier by various film makers in the past.

1977

Farmer

Farmer 1975

1

Filmed against the background of the mountainous north of Iceland with its magnificent scenery, this film shows the life of a lone farmer in an isolated fjord, whose inhabitants have slowly deserted it for the relative ease and comfort of the city life. This farmer, however, is too attached to his land and persist in remaining there, despite the difficulties he has to confront. Through his eyes and those of his peers, the trend of Icelandic society away from traditional agriculture towards industrialisation is viewed with sympathetic regret.

1975

Garbage day

Garbage day 1975

1

A documentary film about a garbage collector and his views on life.

1975

Eruption Aftermath

Eruption Aftermath 1974

1

The story of salvage operations in the wake of the 1973 Westman Island eruption. The 5.000 inhabitants were evacuated in a matter of hours as lava and ash destroyed a large part of the town. The fight with the encroaching lava; dramatic night shots of the erupting volcano; the massive clean-up task after the eruption. The town is once more Iceland's busiest fishing port.

1974