Helena Stefánsdóttir's film "Natatorium" will be RIFF's entry in the international competition of the SMART7 network. SMART7 consists of 7 European film festivals, and our entry competes with six other films from Portugal, Lithuania, Romania, Poland, Spain and Greece.
International Competition. Established in 2023, Smart7 ignites cinematic magic by uniting seven prestigious film festivals across Europe, including the renowned Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF). This dynamic collaboration, fueled by Creative Europe – MEDIA, transcends borders to celebrate diverse storytelling and cultural exchange, elevating emerging filmmakers onto the global stage.
Fierce Competition, Boundless Talent
"Natatorium" premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, IFFR, in February 2024 and is a kind of artistic and low-key horror film. The film has received a rare positive reception among critics and the public. The story deals with the darker side of human existence when the teenage girl Lilja has to face horrific family secrets while visiting her grandparents.
Mark your calendars for RIFF's 2024 festival edition from September 26th to October 6th, where 'Natatorium' and its fellow contenders will light up the silver screen. Helena Stefánsdóttir's success at Smart7 not only shines a spotlight on Iceland's flourishing film industry but also underscores the global impact of Icelandic storytelling.
Don't miss out on this cinematic journey of a lifetime – immerse yourself in 'Natatorium' and witness the magic of Icelandic cinema taking the world by storm. Get tickets to RIFF 2024 here.