Film - WOMAN AT WAR

Off the Wall Films presents

WOMAN AT WAR   (Kona fer í stríð)

Benedikt Erlingsson, Iceland, 2018, 101m, 12A, sub-titles

with: Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir, Jóhann Sigurðarson, Davíð Þór Jónsson

NB - Doors at 5:30pm for a 6:30pm start. The programme will end around 9:00pm. Pre-screening supper, available to pre-order only, served in the Waterside 5:30 - 6:15pm. To order supper simply buy a meal ticket as listed above (nb - supper bookings will close at 12:00 midnight on the Saturday before the screening).

The uneventful routines of cycling cheerily around Reykjavik, practising Tai-Chi and leading the local choir disguise 50-yr-old Halla’s hidden life as ‘The Woman of the Mountain,’ a passionate environmental activist waging a war against the local aluminium industry. She cleverly and consistently outwits the authorities and as her actions grow bolder, from petty vandalism to outright industrial sabotage, she succeeds in pausing the negotiations between the Icelandic government and the corporation building a new aluminium smelter. But, just as she begins planning her biggest and boldest operation yet, she receives an unexpected letter that changes everything.  

In a wonderful performance Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir expertly straddles the fine line dividing cheery sociability from near-psychosis in a film which achieves something almost impossible – delivering a deadly serious message about the unabated pillage of the planet while keeping us entertained with a stream of absurdly comic episodes. The folksy music is inventively integrated as players and singers pop-up in the middle of the action when required, and the Icelandic landscapes (and cityscapes) look magical. As Sight & Sound commented, “This is a beautiful world that is well worth saving.” And Woman at War is a film that is well worth seeing.

“Strikingly original and immensely entertaining.” – Chicago Reader.

“Tense, twisty, and provocative.” – The Film Experience.

“It's a delightful film: beautifully shot, full of joyous symbolism, and with a deft central performance from Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir.” – ScreenHub.

“… an organic, stunning film, thanks to Bergsteinn Björgúlfsson's beautiful cinematography and Erlingsson's considerate direction.” – Flick Feast.

“Make a note to seek out this beguiling gem that manages to be a gripping eco quasi-thriller as well as a quirky and sensitive character portrait.” – Sunday Independent.

“Offbeat, poignant and visually exquisite.” – The Hollywood Reporter.

“Cinematically and philosophically rewarding from start to finish.” – RogerEbert.com.

Voluntary donations - Off the Wall Films is a not-for-profit enterprise. All donations - very gratefully received - will go towards improving the OtWF programme and the presentation of films at WSC.

Carers' tickets - we offer complimentary tickets to carers of people with disabilities. If you would like to attend the screening along with the person in your care please message  [email protected]  with your request for a ticket. Please note - you are eligible for this offer only if you are accompanied by a paying person with disabilities.