September 28 to October 8 2023
RIFF, the Reykjavík International Film Festival is starting tomorrow and offers a wide selection of new and independent cinema every year. This is also a special year for RIFF, as 2023 will be the 20th edition of this festival, which has become more and more recognized as a top destination for international cinema. Over the years, illustrious guests have included names like Jim Jarmusch, Mads Mikkelsen, Werner Herzog, and many others. RIFF is also especially exciting because its annual award, the Golden Puffin, is given to new and young filmmakers, so moviegoers know that they’re getting a glimpse into the newest frontiers of cinema.
Every RIFF has a certain emphasis, and this year we will see categories such as “Open Seas,” which will showcase depictions of the ocean, the environment, and sailing, and “A Different Tomorrow,” which highlights movies that have unique visions of the future, whether utopian or dystopian.
Special screenings
RIFF has also become known over the years for innovative and memorable screenings. For example, last year an environmental documentary was screened in an ice cave underneath one of Iceland’s glaciers, and a horror movie was screened in a natural volcanic cave. A returning screening this year is the “swim-in” cinema, where moviegoers can relax in one of Reykjavík’s famous pools and catch a flick. This year’s screening will feature the 2012 Oscar-winning Life of Pi. Much of the movie takes place at sea, so you’ll really get to dive right into the movie! Rumour also has it that there will even be row boats available in the pool!
A new design
Fans of internet humour will also get a kick out of this year’s new Golden Puffin. Beloved Icelandic cartoonist and playwright, Hugleikur Dagsson, will be designing the graphics and visuals with his distinctive style. As he recently put it, “As much as I love RIFF, the main reason I said yes is simply that I wanted to draw the puffin!”
Going green
Many of RIFF’s themes in recent years have focused on the environment. So it only makes sense that RIFF is also doing its part by going green. Introduced last year, RIFF is moving onto an app. Instead of paper schedules and tickets, you can now access everything from informational brochures, show times, trailers, and more from the RIFF app. Simply search for RIFF in the Apple or Google Play stores!
For more information and the full schedule, go to riff.is.
For more info on events in Reykjavík, check our events page.
