Sóley / Sóley or: The Hidden People of the Shadowy Rocks

In 18th century Iceland, young farmer Thor sets out to find two lost ponies that he owes the Danish church as a tax. His journey takes him deep into the country’s interior, a lawless region. In a magical shadow realm, he encounters legendary characters from the country’s folk traditions and becomes the lover of elf maiden Sóley. With her elfin army, Sóley is mounting resistance to the authorities as represented by a corrupt preacher … Róska Óskarsdóttir’s adventure film counters historical depictions of social romanticism with naturalistic portrayals of exploitation and oppression. The political motif is combined with a sensual hippie aesthetic – for the avant-garde, activist director, feminism and phantasy seemed to be suitable means to effect decolonisation. According to its late co-director, this Icelandic reverie “is about the dream and the reality that meet and go on a journey together”.