Ólöf Arnalds
Acting
Biography
Ólöf Arnalds (born 4 January 1980) is an Icelandic singer-songwriter and indie musician who has been active within the Icelandic music scene since the early 2000s. She was a touring member of múm for five years from 2003 before launching her solo career and has released three albums to date. She has collaborated with bands and artists such as Björk, Stórsveit Nix Noltes, Mugison, Slowblow and Skúli Sverrisson. Between 1988 and 2002, Ólöf studied violin and classical singing, and from 2002 to 2006 she studied composition and new media at Iceland Academy of the Arts.
Known For
The protagonist Ketill Larsen is a 71-year-old man living in a desolate house on a hill with a view of a shopping mall on the outskirts of Reykjavik. Each day, with a bag filled with his own works, he hitchhikes to the city center where he writes poems and makes paintings (at least 15 a day) in his favorite cafes. As a retired actor he has a number of stories to tell which he stores using a portable tape recorder, and during Christmas time he dresses as Santa Claus. Though widely known in Iceland, Ketill remains a mysterious figure and an exception to the social norm. Joseph Marzolla and Tomas Lemarquis have created a film where the reality and the fantastical world of Ketill´s creations meet in an unforgettable journey. Ketill is a remarkable personality, who has a number of stories to tell and unusual experiences to share. He is a true artist, dedicated to his art and poetic in his everyday life.
Ketill
What is it about Icelandic culture that produces such a rich vein of music? Tónlist features Icelandic musicians, music industry experts, journalists - while utilising the breathtaking scenery from across the island for some truly stunning visuals that are heavily prominent in the doc. Volcanoes from the air, record stores, waterfalls, hotdog stands, glaciers and magnificent beards. Prominent Icelandic musician's such as Ólafur Arnalds, Ásgeir, Snorri Helgason, Múm, and Ólöf Arnalds are present to perform unique live performances in stunning locations and provide a greater insight into the ethos and character of Icelandic music. The doc of course boasts a gorgeous soundtrack consisting purely of music from Icelanders.