7 Must-Watch Documentaries on Iceland
Unveiling the Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland captivates viewers with its otherworldly landscapes and unique culture. From towering glaciers to fiery volcanoes, this Nordic island nation offers a wealth of natural wonders and fascinating stories. Documentaries provide an ideal way to explore Iceland's beauty and learn about its people, history, and environment from afar.
Watching documentaries about Iceland allows armchair travelers to experience the country's raw power and stunning vistas without leaving home. These films showcase Iceland's dramatic scenery, geothermal activity, wildlife, and the resilient spirit of its inhabitants. Through expert cinematography and insightful narratives, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for this land of fire and ice.
1) 'Heima' by Sigur Rós
'Heima' is a captivating documentary that showcases the Icelandic band Sigur Rós on their summer 2006 tour. The film follows the group as they perform a series of free, unannounced concerts across their homeland.
The documentary captures the band's ethereal music against the backdrop of Iceland's stunning landscapes. From bustling cities to remote villages, Sigur Rós plays in diverse locations, including Miklatún in Reykjavík and Ásbyrgi in the north.
'Heima' offers viewers a unique glimpse into Iceland's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The film's cinematography highlights the country's rugged terrain, glaciers, and dramatic coastlines.
The documentary also provides insight into the band's creative process and their connection to their homeland. It features intimate performances in small towns like Ólafsvík, Ísafjörður, and Djúpavík.
'Heima' serves as both a concert film and a visual love letter to Iceland. It allows audiences to experience the country's breathtaking scenery while enjoying Sigur Rós' atmospheric post-rock sound.
2) 'The Seer and the Unseen' by Sara Dosa
'The Seer and the Unseen' is a captivating documentary that explores the intersection of Icelandic folklore and modern development. Directed by Sara Dosa, the film follows Ragnhildur Jonsdottir, an Icelander who communicates with elves and other invisible beings.
The documentary showcases Iceland's unique landscape, blending stunning visuals of rocky terrain with Jonsdottir's perspective on nature's unseen inhabitants. It delves into the country's financial collapse and its impact on the environment.
Dosa's film presents a thought-provoking look at the power of belief and its role in environmental conservation. It portrays Jonsdottir as a real-life "Lorax," advocating for nature against encroaching development.
The documentary employs a magic realist approach, allowing viewers to form their own interpretations of the invisible world Jonsdottir describes. It raises questions about the relationship between humans and nature, and the value of preserving cultural beliefs.
'The Seer and the Unseen' offers a unique perspective on Iceland's culture and natural beauty. It challenges viewers to consider alternative ways of perceiving and interacting with the environment.
3) 'Under an Arctic Sky' by Chris Burkard
'Under an Arctic Sky' is a captivating documentary that follows a group of intrepid surfers and photographer Chris Burkard on their quest for perfect waves in Iceland's remote fjords. The film showcases the breathtaking beauty and harsh conditions of Iceland's north coast.
Directed by Chris Burkard and Ben Weiland, this 40-minute adventure takes viewers on a journey through one of Iceland's most severe winter storms in 25 years. The surfers brave freezing temperatures and challenging conditions in search of ideal surfing opportunities.
The documentary highlights the extreme nature of cold-water surfing in Iceland, where daylight lasts only three hours during winter. Despite the harsh environment, the team perseveres, driven by their passion for surfing and exploration.
'Under an Arctic Sky' not only captures stunning surfing footage but also showcases Iceland's awe-inspiring landscapes. The film's cinematography beautifully depicts the rugged coastlines, snow-covered mountains, and dramatic skies of this Nordic island.
This documentary offers viewers a unique perspective on surfing and adventure photography in one of the world's most remote and challenging locations. It serves as a testament to human determination and the pursuit of extraordinary experiences in nature.
4) 'Dreamland' by Þorfinnur Guðnason and Andri Snær Magnason
'Dreamland' is a thought-provoking Icelandic documentary released in 2009. Directed by Þorfinnur Guðnason and Andri Snær Magnason, the film explores the complex relationship between politics, environmental preservation, and industrial development in Iceland.
The documentary focuses on the controversial Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant project. It examines the impact of this massive dam construction on Iceland's pristine wilderness and local communities.
Based on Andri Snær Magnason's book "Dreamland: A Self-Help Manual for a Frightened Nation," the film delves into the nation's struggle to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. It raises important questions about the true cost of progress.
'Dreamland' features stunning cinematography showcasing Iceland's rugged landscapes. The film's soundtrack, composed by Valgeir Sigurðsson, complements the visual narrative.
The documentary received critical acclaim, winning the EDDA Award for Best Icelandic Documentary in 2009. It has since been screened at numerous international film festivals, bringing global attention to Iceland's environmental challenges.
5) 'Inside the Volcano: The Rise of Icelandic Football' by Saevar Gudmundsson
This documentary tells the remarkable story of Iceland's national football team's journey to the Euro Cup 2016. Director Saevar Gudmundsson captures the essence of a true underdog tale, following a group of players from a nation of just 330,000 people.
The film showcases the team's incredible rise from underdogs to contenders on the international stage. It highlights the challenges faced by the players, who were told throughout their youth that they would never compete in a major tournament.
Gudmundsson's documentary provides unique insights into the team's preparation and mindset. The filmmakers had unprecedented access to the Icelandic national team, allowing viewers to witness their journey firsthand.
'Inside the Volcano' explores the impact of a new head coach and the team's determined attitude. It reveals how these factors contributed to Iceland's surprising success in defying expectations.
The documentary captures the spirit of Iceland's 'golden generation' of footballers. It portrays their transformation from young boys practicing in the snow to accomplished athletes competing at the highest level of European football.
6) 'Poles Apart' by Pierre York
'Poles Apart' is a captivating documentary that explores Iceland's unique position between the Arctic and North Atlantic. Directed by Pierre York, this film showcases the country's diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
York's expert cinematography captures Iceland's dramatic contrasts, from icy glaciers to fiery volcanoes. The documentary delves into how these opposing forces shape the island's geography and influence its wildlife.
Viewers are treated to stunning visuals of Iceland's rugged coastlines, expansive lava fields, and bubbling hot springs. York also highlights the resilient flora and fauna that have adapted to this harsh yet beautiful environment.
'Poles Apart' examines the effects of climate change on Iceland's delicate ecosystems. It features interviews with local scientists and conservationists who discuss their efforts to protect the country's unique natural heritage.
The film provides insight into Icelandic culture and how it has been influenced by the island's extreme environment. York explores traditional practices and modern innovations that allow Icelanders to thrive in this challenging landscape.
7) 'Woman at War' by Benedikt Erlingsson
'Woman at War' is a captivating Icelandic film directed by Benedikt Erlingsson. The movie follows Halla, a 40-something choir conductor who leads a secret life as an environmental activist.
Set against the backdrop of Iceland's stunning landscapes, the film blends elements of comedy, drama, and action. Halla takes on the aluminum industry in a one-woman crusade to protect the environment.
Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir delivers a powerful performance as Halla, portraying both her public persona and her vigilante alter ego. The film explores themes of motherhood, activism, and personal responsibility.
Erlingsson's unique directorial style includes an on-screen band that provides a whimsical musical accompaniment to the action. This creative choice adds a touch of surrealism to the narrative.
'Woman at War' offers a thoughtful examination of what it means to save the world on both a personal and global scale. The film's light touch and humor make it accessible while still addressing serious environmental concerns.
While not a traditional documentary, this fictional tale provides insight into Iceland's environmental challenges and the spirit of its people. It serves as an engaging entry point for viewers interested in Icelandic culture and landscapes.
Iceland's Unique Geography
Iceland's dramatic landscape showcases the raw power of geological forces. The island's terrain features a striking mix of fire and ice, with active volcanoes and massive glaciers shaping its topography.
Volcanoes and Glaciers
Iceland sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This location fuels intense volcanic activity across the island. Over 30 active volcanic systems dot the landscape, with eruptions occurring on average every 3-4 years.
Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, covers 8% of Iceland's landmass. Its ice cap conceals several active volcanoes, creating a unique interplay between fire and ice. Glacier-capped volcanoes like Eyjafjallajökull have garnered global attention due to eruptions that disrupted air travel.
The dynamic between volcanoes and glaciers shapes Iceland's ever-changing terrain. Glacier retreat reveals new landforms, while volcanic eruptions can trigger glacial floods called jökulhlaups.
Breathtaking Landscapes
Iceland's diverse geography offers a stunning array of natural wonders. Black sand beaches stretch along the southern coast, formed by volcanic ash and lava fragments. The island's interior highlands feature vast lava fields, multicolored rhyolite mountains, and steaming geothermal areas.
Powerful waterfalls cascade over ancient basalt cliffs, with Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Dettifoss among the most impressive. Geysers like Strokkur erupt regularly, demonstrating the island's geothermal energy.
The rugged coastline is punctuated by dramatic fjords, particularly in the Westfjords region. Offshore, the waters teem with marine life, including whales and puffins that nest on coastal cliffs.
Cultural Insights on Icelandic Society
Iceland's rich cultural heritage and modern societal norms offer fascinating glimpses into this unique island nation. From ancient Viking settlements to contemporary art scenes, Icelandic culture blends tradition with innovation.
Historical Context
Iceland's settlement began in the 9th century with Norse and Celtic immigrants. Viking culture deeply influenced early Icelandic society, shaping its language, literature, and governance. The medieval Icelandic Commonwealth era saw the creation of the Althing, one of the world's oldest parliaments.
Sagas, epic prose narratives, emerged as a distinctive Icelandic literary form. These stories preserved Norse mythology and documented early settlers' lives. Christianity arrived around 1000 CE, gradually replacing Norse paganism.
Danish rule from the 14th to 20th centuries impacted Icelandic culture. Despite foreign influence, Icelanders maintained their language and traditions. The country gained full independence in 1944.
Modern Icelandic Culture
Contemporary Icelandic society values education, equality, and environmental conservation. The country consistently ranks high in global happiness and quality of life indices.
Icelandic arts thrive, with a vibrant music scene producing internationally acclaimed artists. Literature remains central to cultural identity, with Iceland publishing more books per capita than most nations.
Traditional cuisine like hákarl (fermented shark) coexists with innovative New Nordic gastronomy. Outdoor activities, including hiking and hot spring bathing, are popular pastimes reflecting Icelanders' connection to nature.
Family ties are strong, with many Icelanders able to trace their lineage back centuries. The country's small population fosters a close-knit community feel, even in urban areas.
Icelandic design and architecture often incorporate natural elements, blending modern aesthetics with the rugged landscape. This approach reflects the ongoing interplay between tradition and innovation in Icelandic culture.
