Film: "Would love to make a thriller about blood-thirsty polar bears"

The Stockfish Film Festival kicked off last night at Reykjavik's art house cinema Bíó Paradís. This ambitious festival which takes place until February 28th offers a wide array of the most prominent, award-winning films from around the globe. Director of the festival Hrönn Sveinsdóttir answered a few quick questions. 

The team behind the festival is mostly comprised of women. Is this a women's festival?

"No, not specifically. There are a lot of great guys on board. But it's mostly run by women because we're so good at multitasking and we have a high stress threshold. I guess it's biological and it's useful for an operation such as a film festival. "

What do you most look forward to seeing at the festival?

"I'm trying to prioritise because I can't have endless babysitting for my kids. I'm excited about the opening film, A Di­ary of a Teena­ge Girl  where Icelander Sara Gunnarsdóttir provided the animation and she'll be present at the screening. The film  Son of Saul is a definite  „must see“ and is the most talked about film since Cannes last year. Victoria is another film which has captured audiences, it was shot during a single take and cameraman Sturla Brandt Gröv­len will be a guest of the festival. We also offer an incredible thriller, The Witch, about witch hunts in the US in the 17th century. And that's just to name a few."

What kinds of films appeal to you?

"Films that do what they're supposed to, to bring you into another world for a few hours. If you succeed, the film can ignite all kinds of feelings and make you see things in a new light. And the best films they stay with you long after you see it.  That's why I'm not fond of formulated films, I prefer films that offer an artistic vision and an experience. Sometimes Hollywood movies can provide that, but usually I'm more inclined to watch quality films from all over the world. I like to be surprised."

Name a film that's a guilty pleasure. 

"Yes, Showgirls. It's not even a guilty pleasure, it's just a good use of time. Perhaps I should say Cool as Ice with Vanilla Ice instead. I've spent a lot of time watching that film, time not so well spent. "

If you had lots of money and could get a film crew and a group of select actors together, living or dead, what kind of film would you make?

"Having lots of money to whatever you want is never a good start for any film. That would be like Tim and Eric's Bill­i­on Doll­ar Movie. But mine would be shot in the West Fjords and feature bloodthirsty polar bears and would star all knds of actors noone wants to see again like Lou Diamond Phillips. It would be a really expensive production."

How is your daily routine?

"Sweaty working in the office above Bíó Paradís. Sometimes I do start the day with pilates or end it with yoga. But mostly I'm just working hard in this "thriller" which an arthouse cinema and endless film festivals offer."

What does your life outside the film industry entail?

"I have three little girls and a husband so when I'm not working, the five of us do something fun together. I also really love going to happy hours with my girlfriends, I try to do that a lot. It's the best medicine, having a laugh with good friends. At home we love hosting dinner parties and have a lot of friends over. My husband is a filmmaker so films and going to the cinema takes up a lot of our life. Every year we go to our summer cottage in Lake Michigan and spend our time at the lake, on the beach, in the forest, which is a real adventure."

Visit the Stockfish Film Festival website HERE for the programme and tickets.