Donald K. Johnson INLNA Film Screening Series

The purpose of presenting Icelandic film is two-fold. This film series helps maintain and strengthen a connection to contemporary Iceland among the North American Icelandic descendants. Secondly, at present, some, but not all Icelandic films are generally exhibited in the major metropolitan areas in North America, with few or no opportunities to experience these films in the smaller settlement communities. In the last years, there was widespread enthusiasm in the local Icelandic clubs for the program. The INLNA Film program is sponsored by Donald K. Johnson, O.C.

2019 - 2020 selection: 'Woman at war' 

woman at war.jpg

Halla is a fifty-year-old independent woman. But behind the scenes of a quiet routine, she leads a double life as a passionate environmental activist. Known to others only by her alias “The Woman of the Mountain,” Halla secretly wages a one-woman-war on the local aluminum industry. As Halla’s actions grow bolder, from petty vandalism to outright industrial sabotage, she succeeds in pausing the negotiations between the Icelandic government and the corporation building a new aluminum smelter. But right as she begins planning her biggest and boldest operation yet, she receives an unexpected letter that changes everything. Her application to adopt a child has finally been accepted and there is a little girl waiting for her in Ukraine. As Halla prepares to abandon her role as saboteur and savior of the Highlands to fulfill her dream of becoming a mother, she decides to plot one final attack to deal the aluminum industry a crippling blow.Rating: NR

  • Genre: Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

  • In Theaters: Mar 1, 2019 (limited)

  • Runtime: 101 minutes

  • Studio: Magnolia Pictures

  • Directed by: Benedikt Erlingsson 

  • Screenplay by: Benedikt Erlingsson & Ólafur Egill Egilsson

  • Produced by: Marianne Slot, Benedikt Erlingsson, Carine Leblanc

  • Co-Produced by: Serge Lavrenyuk, Bergsteinn Björgúlfsson, Birgitta Björnsdóttir

A review by Tomris Laffly at RogerEbert.com gives an enthusiastic recommendation.  “Cinematically and philosophically rewarding from start to finish, “Woman At War” thrives on the shoulders of Geirharðsdóttir, who brings to life two distinct characters that unite through sisterly bonds. Aspirational, feel-good but never shallow, Erlingsson’s film melds together smarts and wry humor just as neatly as it does various musical genres. The delightful combination of these elements inform and deepen Halla’s journey as a single woman, friendly neighbor and concerned citizen looking for a place in a deteriorating world she desperately tries to better. Erlingsson finds a lot of joy in her rousing, perilous disobedience. And frankly, his enthusiasm for Halla proves to be infectious.”

Screening information:

  • Sunday, January 19 at 2 PM: Victoria, BC (Icelanders of Victoria), University of Victoria, David Strong Building, room C118

  • Friday, February 7: Gimli, MB (Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society)

  • Wednesday, February 12 at 7 PM: Markerville, AB (Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society), Fensala Hall

  • Friday, February 21: Winnipeg, MB (Icelandic Canadian Frón) 

  • Friday, March 13 at 7 PM: Calgary, AB (Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club of Calgary), River Park Church, 3818-14a St. S.W. 

  • Sunday, March 29 at 2 PM: Foam Lake, SK (Vatnabyggd Icelandic Club), Foam Lake Theatre 

EARLIER SELECTIONS

  • 2017 - 2018: “Spooks and Spirits”

  • 2015 - 2016: “Cold Fever”

  • 2014 - 2015: “Last Days in the Arctic”

  • 2013 - 2014: “Living With Lava”