Icelandic Director Explores Denmark-Iceland History in “Godland”
Why this is here: The director lived in Denmark for years before returning to Iceland, informing his perspective on the complex historical relationship between the two countries.
Icelandic director Hlynur Pálmason’s film “Godland” examines the relationship between Denmark and Iceland. Pálmason, who lived in Denmark before returning to Iceland, aimed to portray the complex connection between the two countries. This relationship is largely defined by Iceland being Danish territory until 1918.
The film focuses on Iceland’s historical position on the periphery of Europe. The island’s harsh, glacial, and volcanic landscape presents a wild beauty. It also appears threatening when viewed from outside perspectives.
This year, the Diagonale festival dedicated a comprehensive retrospective to Pálmason’s work. “Godland” illuminates themes of religion and colonialism within the historical context of the two nations.