Glassriver launches its film division with "Dark Ocean", directed by Baldvin Z

Iceland’s Glassriver has launched its dedicated film division with its debut feature, "Dark Ocean", directed by Baldvin Z ("Life in a Fishbowl"). He and Guðgeir "Gucci" Arngrímsson will lead the new division, which features a new slate of original feature films and international co-productions, including multi-genre festival and commercial titles.

Baldvin Z, Director at Glassriver says “With the launch of Glassriver’s film division, we have the opportunity to tell bold, emotionally raw stories that resonate far beyond Iceland’s borders. Our goal is to create cinematic experiences that are as intimate as they are epic, grounded in truth, but made for the world stage with global partners.”

The slate of originals in development is led by "Dark Ocean", with a second untitled feature from "Black Sands"writer Elias Kofoed Hansen which will be announced later this year.

Guðgeir "Gucci" Arngrímsson, Producer at Glassriver says “We’re building a slate of films that reflect the soul of Iceland but are relevant wherever you are: extremes, humanity, dark humour with emotion. We’re collaborating with exceptional talent both locally and internationally and are ready to meet more partners to expand this. It’s time international cinema took up more space on the screen.”

"Dark Ocean" is claustrophobic drama set on a fishing trawler in the North Atlantic. Exploring masculinity, grief and the corrosive cost of survival it tells the story of a young deckhand on his first voyage as he and a team of fisherman battle the brutal forces of nature and face the ruthless demands of survival at sea. The film is written by Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson.

The launch of the film division sees Baldvin Z and Arngrímsson build on Glassriver’s reputation for creating premium drama for global audiences with a growing slate of original, high quality Icelandic and international stories following the growth of their TV slate with "Cold Haven", "Elma, Reykjavik Noir" and" Black Sands."

The company is currently in talks with international co-production and distribution partners and will position its upcoming films for major film festivals and awards as well as commercial routes to audiences via theatrical and streaming platforms.