Cinema at a secret Iceland cave

The Reykjavik International Film Festival takes place this year between September 24th to October 4th. One of this year's special highlights as a warm-up to the festival is a film screening in a cave in a secret location outside Reykjavik taking place on September 3rd.

"It's a lava cave, a hidden secret near Reykjavik," explains Hallfríður Þóra Tryggvadóttir, project manager at RIFF. "It's perfect for film screenings and the guides from our collaborators, Arctic Adventures, know every inch of it. We can't reveal the name of the cave but our guests will be in good hands and will get the right equipment for the cave hiking. After the exciting and beautiful cave hiking,  people will sit down and watch films, learn about Icelandic nature and filmmaking and enjoy warm drinks. This event is a unique blend of Icelandic nature and culture. Definitely something to remember."

A festival that highlights independent filmmaking

RIFF takes place every year in September and October for eleven days. The festival shows a wide range of dramas and non-fiction films from over 40 countries. It highlights independent filmmaking from all over the world with an emphasis on up-and-coming filmmakers. RIFF encourages the interaction of film with other art forms by organizing concerts, photo exhibitions, concert and a variety of events including a swimming pool screening, which this year will be Dario Argento's famed horror film, Suspiria.

A once in a lifetime experience

"RIFF is all about experience and we are always coming up with new ideas how to show the magic of the cinema in a new light," explains Tryggvadóttir. "The cave screening is something we have done once before, at the 2012 festival, and we've been dreaming of doing it again. We are very excited and we believe that this event is something people will experience only once." There are two cave screenings planned and people are urged to secure their tickets soon. Included in the price is transport. cave hiking, all equipment and hot drinks but cave cinema goers are advised to wear warm, practical clothing.

After a short hike to the cave,  three of the most renowned Icelandic shorts of the last decade will be screened. L ove Story by director Ása Helga Hjörleifsdóttir, now working on her first feature film, Whale Valley by Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson, which received a special mention jury award at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and finally The Last Farm by Rúnar Rúnarsson, nominated to the Academy Awards in 2006.

For more information and tickets visit the RIFF website HERE.