The Screening is in collaboration with The Icelandic Film Archive

Ósvaldur Knudsen (1899 – 1975)

Ósvaldur Knudsen did not embark on filmmaking until his late forties. He had a successful business as a painter when he acquired his first film camera, relatively late in life. Following the success of his debut documentary about the eruption of Hekla in 1947, Ósvaldur quickly established himself as one of Iceland's most prolific filmmakers. This exhibition highlights two of his most compelling films, both collaborations with pioneering electronic composer Magnús Blöndal, creating a mysterious and powerful cinematic world. The screening includes rare images of Ósvaldur Knudsen at work, accompanied by an introduction to his filmmaking by Gunnar Tómas Kristófersson, a specialist from the National Film Archive of Iceland.

Sveitin milli sanda (1964)

"Sveitin milli sanda" is especially renowned for the captivating voice of Icelandic legendary singer Ellý Vilhjálms, whose enchanting performance to Magnús Blöndal’s music lends a unique atmosphere to this remote region in Iceland. This film portrays life in an isolated area between two glacial rivers stemming from the Vatnajökull glacier, showcasing the resilience of its inhabitants.

Eldur í Heimaey (1974)

This is a poignant, beautiful, and powerful depiction of the 1973 volcanic eruption on Heimaey, in the Vestmann Islands off the south coast of Iceland which forced all 5,000 residents to evacuate as ash and lava engulfed the town. The film captures the eruption’s sheer power, the unity of people helping the inhabitants evacuate and salvage their possessions, and the subsequent rebuilding efforts. The exhibition also includes rare images of Ósvaldur Knudsen at work, accompanied by an introduction to his filmmaking by Gunnar Tómas Kristófersson, a specialist from the National Film Archive of Iceland.