Films from the first half of the 20th century until the end of the sixties show a desire to tackle this new form of expression with optimism and daring, but also difficult situations and shattered dreams. Among other things, the films Fjalla-Eyvindur, Saga Borgarættarinn, Ævintýri Jóns og Gvendar, Hadda Padda, Björgunarafrekið við Látrabjarg, Milli fjalls og fjöru, Síðasti bærinn í dalnum, Ágirnd and Salka Valka are examined.
The Icelandic film spring reigned around and up from 1980. Its prelude can be traced back twenty years. He led to the establishment of the Film Fund, which laid the foundation for the continuous production of Icelandic films. Among other things, the films Morðsaga, 79 of the station, Land og synir, Óðal feðranna, Hrafninn flýgur, Með allt á hreinu, Nýtt líf, Atómstöðin and Á hjara veraldar are looked at.
In the second half of the eighties, the number of filmmakers increased, but the row became heavier and the audience was not as willing as before to go to the cinema just because the film is Icelandic. Were the promises made by the Icelandic film spring evaporating? From this time, the films Stella í orlofi, Foxtrot, Skytturnar, Magnús and Í skugga hrafnsins are among others.
There will be a turning point in the history of Icelandic films when Children of Nature is nominated for an Oscar. During this time, new directors emerge who focus on the urban environment and appeal to young people. The movies looked at are Börn náttúrunnar, Sódóma Reykjavík, Veggfóður, Svo á jörðu sem á himni, Benjamín dúfa, Tár úr steini and Ingaló.
In the second half of the nineties, Friðrik Þór Friðriksson and the Icelandic Film Group are all-encompassing. During this time, Friðrik makes two films, Djöflaeyjuna and Engla alheimsins. Other films from this period include Ungfrúin góða og húsið, Íslenski draumurinn, 101 Reykjavík og Myrkrahöfðinginn
At the beginning of the new century, a new generation of filmmakers is emerging that focuses on the present. The outside world is prominent both as a storyline but also in references to the international film tradition. This includes the films Nói albínói, Hafið and Astrópía.
The number of Icelandic films increased in the second half of the first decade of this century. Many of them can be called Rammíslenskar. Most of them take place in modern times, but draw on the material of history and historical heritage or examine the structure of society and communication habits. At the same time, many images emerge where the world is prominent in various ways. One of the questions is, what is an Icelandic film? Special attention is paid to Sólveig Anspach's films, as well as the films Mýrin, Börn, Foreldrar, Skrapp út, Brúðguminn and Kaldaljós.
A new generation of film directors is making their mark towards the end of the first decade and the beginning of the second, and many of them are attracting a great deal of attention over time. The shift series and its sequel, the film Bjarnfreðarson, are hugely popular and Friðrik Þór makes up his career in a very personal film, Mamma Gógó, which puts Icelandic films in a historical dimension. The characteristics and characters of Icelandic films and the relationship of Icelandic viewers with them are also discussed, and the key films are Eldfjall, Sveitabrúðkaup, Mamma Gógó, Borgríki and Bjarnfreðarson.
The number of Icelandic films increased significantly in the second decade of the 21st century, and towards the end of the year, the number of women in the film industry increased. The emphasis on comedy films on the one hand and dramatic films on the other will be sharper. The number of game series is increasing and they are enjoying success abroad. Here are the key films Andið eðlilega, Svanurinn, Agnes Joy, Málmhaus, Vonarstræti, Lof mér að falla, Undir trénu and Svartur á leik.
The works of Icelandic directors are now attracting more attention on the international stage than ever before. A group of foreign film experts discuss the success of Icelandic films on an international level. The career of Sigurjón Sighvatsson, a producer in the United States, is also discussed, and Baltasar Kormákur talks about his Hollywood films and the films he made in Iceland. Finally, the current situation is reviewed and the outlook ahead. The pictures that are talked about are Hross í oss, Djúpið, Kona fer í stríð, Hrútar, Hjartasteinn, Þrestirand Hvítur, hvítur dagur..