HRÚTAR
Iceland, Denmark
Synopsis
When a lethal disease suddenly infects Kiddi’s sheep, the entire valley comes under threat. The authorities decide to cull all the animals in the area to contain the outbreak. This is a near death sentence for the farmers, whose sheep are their main source of income, and many abandon their land. But Gummi and Kiddi don’t give up so easily – and each brother tries to stave off the disaster in his own fashion: Kiddi by using his rifle and Gummi by using his wits.
As the authorities close in the brothers will need to come together to save the special breed passed down for generations, and themselves, from extinction.
Director's Statement
Conflicts between neighbours are very common in the countryside in Iceland. Many Icelanders are very stubborn and independent, they want to stand on their own and distrust everything that comes from abroad. This independent thinking often goes beyond all logic. In the farming world, rams are often said to be the most stubborn of animals.
The title of the film, RAMS, is a metaphor for the two warring brothers. Most farmers I know have a stronger connection to sheep than to other domestic animals. Their main goal in life is to cultivate good stock, win ram competitions, head to mountains to round up sheep and return astoundingly heavy lambs. Loosing the livestock is the worst thing that could happen to them.
Cast & Crew
Directed by: Grímur Hákonarson
Written by: Grímur Hákonarson
Produced by: Grímar Jónsson
Cinematography: Sturla Brandth Grøvlen
Editing: Kristján Loðmfjörð
Production Design: Bjarni Massi Sigurbjörnsson
Original Score: Atli Örvarsson
Sound Design: Huldar Freyr Arnarson, Björn Viktorsson
Main Cast: Sigurður Sigurjónsson (Gummi), Theodór Júlíusson (Kiddi)
Nominations and Awards
- European Film 2015
- Feature Film Selection 2015