The Icelandic Producers Association (SÍK) has elected a new chair following what organisers described as one of the largest meetings in the association’s history, amid growing concern over financial pressures facing the film industry.
Three candidates stood for chair: Arnar Benjamín Kristjánsson, Milla Ósk Magnúsdóttir and Grímar Jónsson. The vote was exceptionally close, with only a handful of votes separating the candidates.
Arnar, who has served on the board since 2024, succeeds outgoing chair Anton Máni Svansson. Anton was elected to remain on the board alongside Hilmar Sigurðsson and Búi Baldvinsson.
What’s the Story?
Original source: Vísir
- Arnar Benjamín Kristjánsson elected chair of SÍK following a closely contested vote.
- Record attendance reported at the association’s annual meeting.
- Members voiced concern over declining production activity and funding challenges.
Industry Concerns
Speaking after the election, Gunnar rejected suggestions that the outcome reflected anything beyond a democratic process, despite concerns about gender representation.
“I cannot interpret it that way. Around 70 members came together to decide who would become chair. One candidate came out on top, but it was very close and the result is what it is. It is of course unfortunate when there is not greater gender equality, but when there are no rules requiring otherwise, this can happen,” Gunnar said, noting that women had previously played a more prominent role within the organisation.
According to Gunnar, the unusually high level of interest in board positions rather reflects broader difficulties facing the film sector.
“It means there is a bit of a winter in the film industry. Film production has declined dramatically, both domestically and internationally,” he said.
Gunnar said financing film and television projects has become increasingly difficult, while productions that do not fit the needs of major distributors such as Netflix struggle to secure backing.
Comparing the situation to the surge of political candidates following Iceland’s 2008 financial collapse, he said many industry professionals are stepping forward in an effort to improve conditions.
Despite the challenges, Gunnar described a strong sense of unity among filmmakers.
“We are educating people for this profession. Icelanders are exceptionally good storytellers. We write books, tell stories, and now we know how to make films. But funding is lacking,” he said.
He added that the downturn is not unique to Iceland, with fewer international productions also coming to the country. Nevertheless, he said the meeting demonstrated broad agreement on the challenges facing the industry and a shared commitment to supporting its future.
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