The success of Valdimar Jóhannsson’s “Lamb”, in theaters on December 29, showcases the talent and creativity of a small country whose film industry is unlike any other. Report from Iceland.
It’s a film that comes from a small country. A land of unique, cold and rocky landscapes. Lamb by Valdimar Jóhannsson makes Iceland shine around the world. Carried by the Swedish Noomi Rapace, this astonishing drama tells the birth of a lamb with an abnormal appearance. His arrival will change the daily life of a couple of grieving breeders.
Awarded in Cannes, and in other festivals, the feature film does not go unnoticed. Become the biggest Icelandic success in the United States, he is selected to represent his country in the race for the Oscars. Through its unique career, this cinematographic curiosity allows a young and still little-known industry to continue its expansion.
On screen, the island often appears in big productions, especially American ones. It is not uncommon for Hollywood studios to come and put their cameras there to enjoy the volcanic setting. It is mainly thanks to these blockbusters that the region is attracting more and more tourists. Yet much of the public is completely ignorant of its film industry, starting with its huge impact on the country’s economy.
Iceland has less than 400,000 inhabitants. According to estimates, 3000 people work in the audiovisual sector. The number of productions is therefore reduced. On average, the country produces 4 films per year – compared to 240 in France. It’s not much, but that doesn’t prevent Icelanders from going to the movies. An ordinary citizen can go there 4 times a year. This is much more than the European average, although the weather certainly has something to do with it.
A microcosm of cinema
The sphere of Icelandic industry is so small that everyone knows each other. Technicians like actors and actresses often find the same teams. This micro-society is felt even in the films. “It happens that we know certain actors personally and it is difficult to forget them behind their characters., laughs the director Karna Sigurðardóttir. You can even recognize a cousin’s house in the background.”
This proximity has its qualities, in particular the absence of competition. Hilmir Snær Guðnason, starring in Lamb and actor for more than 30 years, explains that the relations between the artists are healthy. It’s like a big family. But the difficulties are the same as elsewhere, especially for actresses. “Like everywhere in the world, it’s always easier for men, he admits. When you get older, a bit like me, who is 52 years old, you can continue to do theater and cinema. For women, it’s a different story.”
Lasting in the profession is not always easy. Sometimes you have to know how to be more discreet so as not to monopolize the screens and tire the public. Hilmir Snær Guðnason recognizes that he turned to the theater after having chained the roles in the cinema. “Some were like, ‘You can’t use it over and over again’”, He adds. This is why many people in the industry practice several trades at the same time. A director can be a screenwriter, editor, decorator and actor all at the same time. Knowing how to do everything is almost a norm.
Koch Movies
Hilmir Snær Guðnason alongside Noomi Rapace in “Lamb” by Valdimar Jóhannsson.
With few Icelandic films in theaters, viewers are mainly heading to American productions. They represent 96% of the market. The biggest success of the year 2021 is, unsurprisingly, the 25th installment of James Bond’s adventures, Dying Can Wait. It collected, in total, more than 67,000 entries.
In the midst of this Hollywood overpower, one cinema stands out: the Bíó Paradís – “cinema paradise” in French. It is located in Reykjavik, the capital, and remains the only arthouse establishment in the country. Supported by the State, it belongs to an association of filmmakers and its mission is to educate young people. Schoolchildren and students alike can discover classics and European films there thanks to the 3 rooms available.
In front of the entrance, a poster of the Palme d’Or Titane by Julia Ducournau is plastered on the facade. When we enter the enclosure of the building, it is a temple of cinephilia that unfolds before our eyes. Posters of the world’s greatest films cover the walls of a reception hall filled with armchairs. It is a place of culture, but also of entertainment. Every Friday, a themed evening is organized.
Thomas …
