Survival on the Sea: Iceland’s First Feature Film

A new adventure film from Iceland is poised to hit the world stage.
The movie, Dark Ocean, follows a young deckhand on his first fishing trip in the unforgiving North Atlantic, where relentless weather and survival pressures test the crew’s resolve.

Creative Forces Behind the Film

• Story & Script – Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson, playwright and co‑founder of the theatre and music group Hatari.
• Director – Baldvin Z, known for TV series such as Black Sands and Netflix’s Case.
• Producer – Guðgeir “Gucci” Arngrímsson, who previously worked on Albatross.
• International Partner – Canadian company Terminal City Pictures, helping to bring the film worldwide.

Cast Highlights

Their experience lends depth to the film’s tight, sea‑bound narrative.

Production & Distribution

• Glassriver – Iceland’s leading TV studio, responsible for half of the country’s scripted series in 2023. Dark Ocean marks its first feature‑film venture, aiming to broaden Icelandic audiences.
• Rocket Science – Specialist in high‑energy dramas. They will handle worldwide sales, launching the film at Cannes alongside titles like Cliffhanger and a new Vin Diesel feature.

Significance for Icelandic Cinema

The Cannes premiere represents a milestone, showcasing that Iceland can produce gripping, globally appealing movies while staying true to its rugged maritime heritage.