Iceland

Synopsis

When Icelandic, anti-capitalist, BDSM techno band HATARI become the official entry into the Eurovision Song Contest, a rare opportunity presents itself for the band to stage what would become, one of the most internationally televised live political protests in the competitions history. Director Anna Hildur follows the band on their journey from Reykjavik to Tel Aviv in this proactive film that explores the freedom of creative expression, the role and responsibility of artists to critically engage in contemporary issues and ultimately, how art can effectively act as an agent for change.

Director's Statement

Having previously worked in broadcast TV and in the music industry, this documentary is Anna Hildur’s directorial debut. She explains that “Making this documentary was a challenging and life-changing journey. Seeing young artists making a stand and attempting to create a meaningful debate through their art gives me hope, and hope is precious.”

The film has a strong executive producing team onboard in Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, the directors behind the critically acclaimed Nick Cave starring documentary 20,000 DAYS ON EARTH, which won two awards at Sundance and was BAFTA nominated. On what attracted them to the project, Forsyth and Pollard stated: “We’re always interested in finding the bigger story. We want to de-mythologise what it takes to be an artist, what it means to think and act creatively… Art can’t change the world. But art changes people, and people change the world”.

Director's Biography

Anna Hildur Hildibrandsdottir, is an Icelandic film and TV director and producer.
She worked in the music industry for two decades – as a manager for bands, the director of Iceland Music Export, and the director of Nordic Music Export. She switched careers in 2017. A SONG CALLED HATE is her directorial debut.

FILMOGRAPHY:
2020 - A SONG CALLED HATE, documentary
2019 - TRÚNÓ 2, documentary series
2018 - TRÚNÓ 1, documentary series
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Cast & Crew

Directed by: Anna Hildur Hildibrandsdóttir

Written by: Anna Hildur Hildibrandsdóttir

Produced by: Anna Hildur Hildibrandsdóttir

Cinematography: Baldvin Vernhardsson

Editing: Olly Stothert

Original Score: Margrét Rán

Sound: Nicholas Cathcart-Jones

Animation: Kristján U. Kristjánsson

Nominations and Awards

  • Documentary Selection 2021