This film is part of Free
Life in Iceland
A silent documentary film exploring the people, natural landscapes, industry and culture of this dramatic North Atlantic island nation; the most sparsely populated in Europe.
Overview
From ReykjavΓk, the capital cityβs modern architecture, to traditional weaving and herring fishing, Iceland is presented as a progressive country, proud of its historic Norse legacy including Glima β or Icelandic Wrestling β the nationβs favourite sport created by the Vikings. The power of thermal springs, created by volcanic activity, is shown alongside Icelandβs most famous glacial waterfalls, including Gulfoss, or βGolden Fallsβ in the River HvitΓ‘.
βLife in Icelandβ demonstrates modern technology to harness Icelandβs thermal power for heating homes, swimming pools and purpose-built greenhouses. Commercial flights by LoftleiΓ°ir, or Iceland Airlines are shown at Reykjavik airport. With its geographical mid-way point between Europe and North America, the airline was able to offer lower cost transatlantic flights that proved popular with the post-war generation of U.S. travellers. Iceland was also of strategic defence importance at the time, joining NATO in 1951. Aerial shots of the Icelandic landscape include flight views of SiglufjΓΆrΓ°ur or βHerring Townβ where the herring fishery was at its height in the 1940s and 1950s.
Related
Climbing Mount Everest Climbing Mount Everest
Non-Fiction 1933 32 mins Silent
A fascinating glimpse into life at high altitude for the party of the Mount Everest Expedition 1933 which intended, but ultimately failed to summit Everest.
East Nepal East Nepal
1961 72 mins Silent
Film taken by Tom Spring Smyth during the British Museum (Natural History) Expedition to East Nepal 1961-1962.
Amazon; Dr Hamilton Rice Amazon; Dr Hamilton Rice
1926 91 mins Silent
Take a journey with Dr Hamilton Rice as he embarks on his final expedition of the easterly tributaries of the Amazonian basin.
The Conquest of Everest The Conquest of Everest
Documentary 1953 78 mins
Colour film (narrated by Meredith Edwards) telling the story of the βMount Everest Expedition 1953β, which saw the first successful ascent of the mountain.
Scenes from Around the World Scenes from Around the World
Amateur film 1947 9 mins Silent
Short colour, silent, compilation of unedited film footage giving a snapshot of life in various countries in the year 1947.
Nine Countries in Ninety Minutes Nine Countries in Ninety Minutes
Travelogue 1937 63 mins Silent
Amateur film travelogue of a journey around various parts of the world in 1937, by Frances Hotham F.R.G.S, A.R.P.S.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of childrenβs palliative care.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.