RIFF in the Press – 2013

“Here in Iceland, film has to go that extra mile in order to not pale in comparison with the natural phenomena here. They have to compete with massive and mesmerizing waterfalls, soaring geysers, waddling puffins, mysteriously steaming springs, and the alluring songs of the whales. But the Icelanders have enough energy for both.”

“Unlike a bigger, grander festival, RIFF does not overtake the town, but rather becomes a part of it... The tickets are not expensive and the lines aren’t long. Fans dress up as everything from Darth Vader to Borat to Superman as they enjoy the several brands of liquor sampled outside of the movie theaters before the screening begins. This is a beautiful, other-worldly land...”

“I learnt a lot about the Icelandic movie industry and the local movie traditions, as well as the opportunities for using Iceland as a location. It was also really productive to meet the other producers, distributors etc. that attended the Industry Days.”

“RIFF – really a gem in my book and now one on my list of not to be missed.”

“Events like the six-year-old Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) are crucial in sending out positive signals about Iceland’s unique geography, countryside and multifaceted cultural contribution.”

“The Reykjavík International Film Festival knows how to put on a show or at least conceive one. Solid programming.”

“With its reputation growing every year, RIFF is becoming an important stop on the festival circuit. Providing mostly great films with many outstanding performances and a beautiful country to see them in, there’s not really much more you can ask for.”

“RIFF is a wonderful meeting place to develop networking regarding Scandinavian projects.”

“Iceland is such a small country, a huge festival like the Reykjavík International Film Festival means so much to us who live here. It means not only seeing fantastic diamonds of the film industry from all over the world, but also meeting movie lovers and talented filmmakers.”

“People were telling me: "In Iceland you will feel as if you are on the moon". So I went there and discovered that compared to Iceland the moon is boring. And to see movies there was really special. Thank you.”

“RIFF brings our city a colorful selection of films coming from all around the world.”

“My experience at the Reykjavik International Film Festival was fantastic. It is an unusual place (to say the least) and the people are gracious, respectful and also a little wild -- a great combination in my opinion. I am very happy to have had this experience and to have met so many cool people interested in films, music, literature, elves, and the many mysteries of human nature. Thank you!”

“Reykjavík is a fabulous film festival and a fabulous town in a fabulous country. And if you ever get a chance to visit any or all of the three, seriously go out of your way. The festival is remarkably intimate and well-organized, and gives you the perfect summer camp vibe that only the best smaller film festivals pull off.”