SKAFTFELLINGUR SAGA

We journey with a magic ship into unknown worlds, meeting the people
whose lives it has touched. SKAFTFELLIGUR SAGA tells the tale of
the small community Vík were I have my roots. Situated on the rugged
most southern tip of Iceland, between the roaring ocean and the men-
acing volcano Katla, rumbling deep under the glacier. As an eruption
draws closer, the ocean is eating away on the beach. Some villagers
want to build a new road and a wall, to stop the waves. Once again the
villagers are reminded of their vulnerability.

The ship becomes a metaphor for the motion of time, bringing us scenes
from the Icelandic history. It s a misty day. The majestic waves roll in
over the black sand dunes and the sea stacks stand in the storm-blown
waters as an old, derelict-looking ship appears out of the fog. The ves-
sel looks alive, like an ageing bishop in a tattered cassock. For years
it was buried under the lava on the Westman Islands, south of Iceland.
The vessel, which once conquered isolation and served the community,
is now returning to Vík and it’s final resting place.

I have my own roots in Vík. At times, my longing grows strong and
I travel back to gaze at the ocean. The sea stacks stand like old trolls,
watching me as I approach the village where my forefathers once lived
their lives. My grandfather was a cobbler and a telegrapher. He made
clothes and shoes for the sailors. Grandmother was the natural centre
at home, nurturing 14 children. In the village there are still those who
remember Skaftfellingur’s days of glory. They speak of life long ago, at
this isolated outpost. The journey to the capital Reykjavík took several
weeks on horseback, crossing the numerous wild rivers. However a new
world appeared suddenly. The year of 1918 Katla erupted and the cloud
of ashes turned day into night. To break the long isolation, the villagers
requested a ship to be built in Denmark. On a spring day Skaftfellingur
came sailing in, bringing new tastes of fresh fruits and other treats. The
village was booming and for many years, the ship continued to serve
the village community. Three priests that once lived on earth protect
Skaftfellingur. The tale speaks of good fortune to those whose paths are
crossed by the old vessel.

During the Second World War, Skaftfellingur found itself in the middle
of battle in the North Sea. The crew was often surprised how could
avoid the mines. In August 20th 1942, 52 men from a German subma-
rine fired at by American Air Force, were rescued. A strong easterly
wind was beating down on the ship. The night was pitch black – not a
star.During several dramatic hours, the crew of Skaftfellingur struggled
to pull the Germans from the icy water. The captain came in last, after
sinking the submarine. At that point in time, Germany had sunk a vast
amount of ships, killing 385 Icelandic seamen among others.

With a personal angle, from the lives of my forefathers, the old vessel guideus
through the past century and the changes of time. Strengthened by age it helps
us understand how currents carry us through life. No one can stay indifferent
to the SKAFTFELLINGUR SAGA.

Director: Helgi Felixson
Producer: Hrönn Kristinsdóttir / Titti Johnson
Shootingformat: DVCAM / HD
Length: 58/52 mins
Produktion: Felix Film / TCfilm
Co-producer: SVT / RUV
Release: MAY 2010
Felix Film Ltd
John Ericssonsgatan 10
112 22 Stockholm, Sweden
Tel: +46 8 651 04 70
Cell: +46 705 11 86 86
email: Helgi@felixfilm.se
www.felixfilm.se