Film Archive - Reynir Oddsson

Reynir Oddsson (born in 1936) brought significant changes to Icelandic filmmaking in the 1960s. Trained in acting and filmmaking in the United States and London, he was among the first Icelanders formally educated in filmmaking. Returning home, Reynir introduced groundbreaking new-wave aesthetics to Icelandic cinema. Among his most important contributions is the feature film "Morðsaga" (1977), heavily inspired by the French New Wave, offering a critical view of the Icelandic upper-middle class through precise aesthetics and challenging gender politics. This film was the last feature-length narrative produced before the establishment of the Icelandic Film Fund.

Slys (1962)

Slys is a groundbreaking documentary directed by Reynir Oddsson. Marking his filmmaking debut, this black-and-white film is without dialouge and depicts an accident involving a young girl. Upon release, "Slys" garnered widespread acclaim, with critics declaring the emergence of Iceland's first true film auteur.

Flug 401 (1966)

Flug 401 is a unique documentary short that follows flight attendants on a trip to New York. The film explores feminist themes and embracing new-wave cinematic aesthetics rarely seen in Icelandic film. Commissioned by Loftleiðir Airlines in 1966, the film portrays the attendants’ professional and personal lives during their New York layover. Beyond its observational content, "Flug 401" thoughtfully engages with themes of women's liberation, stylistically reminiscent of French New Wave classics such as Agnès Varda’s "Cleo from 5 to 7" (1962).

The Screening is in collaboration with The Icelandic Film Archive.