The Icelandic thriller Mýrin (English title: Jar City) was named best film at the prestigious Czech film festival Karlovy Vary on Saturday and the director, Baltasar Kormákur, was awarded with a globe of crystal.
“This is the best publicity I have ever gotten for one of my movies in its first screening abroad. I couldn’t ask for more,” Baltasar told Morgunbladid. Following the award, Mýrin has been invited to dozens of film festivals.
Baltasar had been playing at the oldie football (soccer) tournament Pollamótid in Akureyri, northeast Iceland, when he received news that his film had won. He finished the tournament and then traveled all night to make it to Prague in time.
“I went to the Czech Republic for the premier, which was a lot of fun because it was received so well and got great reviews,” Baltasar said. “Then I just went back home.” The director said he had expected an award of some kind, but not the best film award.
The Karlovy Vary festival is a so-called A-category film festival, along with the Sundance film festival and the festivals in Cannes, Toronto and Venice. This is the first time an Icelandic film has been named best film at a festival of such renown.
Baltasar Kormákur is currently working on a new movie and is also involved in directing projects in three theaters.
Click here to read more about Mýrin.
