Documentary follows eider farmer and helper in Loðmundarfjörður

Ólafur Aðalsteinsson, an eiderdown farmer, and his friend Albert Haukur Gunnarsson feature prominently in the documentary Birds (and Men), according to mbl.is. The two attended the film’s premiere this week.

“It was a good moment at the cinema,” Ólafur said. Albert, who has helped with eiderdown collection in Loðmundarfjörður in recent years, said he found it somewhat embarrassing to see himself on the big screen.

They appreciated the positive reactions, including from Kristbjörg Kjeld, one of Iceland’s foremost actresses, who spoke to them after the screening.

Sir David Attenborough was unable to attend. Director, screenwriter and producer Ingvar Þórðarson said he had spoken to Attenborough, who sent his regards. Ingvar plans to send him the film.

Ingvar co-directed the documentary with Ragnar Axelsson and Finnish filmmaker Mika Kaurismäki. He first visited Ólafur and his wife, Jóhanna Óladóttir, in 2019, when the idea for the film began to take shape.

The film was initially intended to focus only on the eider, Ólafur said, but later developed into a story about the people as well.

Ólafur described Ingvar’s presence in the east at the beginning of the project as a major nuisance, although he said Ingvar’s good nature eventually made it easier. Albert praised the professionalism of everyone involved.

They singled out cinematographer Birgit Guðjónsdóttir, who had no previous experience with eiderdown collection. Albert said she quickly learned to read the conditions and fitted naturally into the environment. Ólafur added that she respected all the rules, saying the birds did not even move their heads from under their wings when she passed.

Ingvar described Birgit as a world-class cinematographer.

The documentary has received several positive recommendations since its premiere. Psychiatrist Engilbert Sigurðsson called it exceptionally beautiful and uplifting, while Kristbjörg described it as wonderful.

Ólafur, Albert and Ingvar are interviewed in greater detail in Morgunblaðið’s Sunday edition.