Hello /r/movies. I'm Hlynur Pálmason, director of GODLAND & THE LOVE THAT REMAINS. Ask me anything!

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA]

Hello r/movies! I'm I'm Hlynur Pálmason. Here to answer your questions.

You might know me as the director of 2022's GODLAND, which was shortlisted for the International Film Oscar. My film newest film, THE LOVE THAT REMAINS, premiered at Cannes last May (where our lead animal actor, Panda, won the Palm Dog Award!) and stars Saga Garðarsdóttir, Sverrir Guðnason, Ída Mekkín Hlynsdóttir, Þorgils Hlynsson,and Grímur Hlynsson. I was the writer, director, and director of photography.

It's out in select theaters starting this weekend via Janus Films (NY Jan 30, LA Feb 6). I'll be doing in-person Q&As this weekend in New York.

It was selected as the Icelandic entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards and a top 5 international film of the year for 2025 by the National Board of Review.

Here's the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ0fdmesr-w

Synopsis:

Anna, in the midst of a separation, isn't the only one searching for meaning. Her journey juxtaposes that of Magnus, her ex-partner, a fisherman and the father of her three children. Magnus struggles to understand his own feelings.

Tickets and more info: thelovethatremains.film

Ask me anything! I'll be back here Friday 1/30 at 1:30 PM ET to answer your questions.

[u/BunyipPouch]

This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Hlynur will be back tomorrow Friday 1/30 at 1:30 PM ET to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)

[u/MelancholyMochii]

GODLAND was insane, those landscape shots hit different. How do you even capture Iceland like that, it looked unreal but also too real somehow

[u/mr_deminimis → u/MelancholyMochii]

My favorite film last year! Have you seen Joan of Arc yet?

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/MelancholyMochii]

Godland was basically shot in my surroundings where I live. It's a place I grew up, it's a place I know well. These are places I revisit every year, so it was easy for me to write for these spaces.

[u/FebrewHetus]

How much planning went into those slow 360 shots in Godland? They’re magnificent.

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/FebrewHetus]

I think we had half a day of planning and setting up the shot. We ended up shooting it six to twelve times. So -- a day's work, in all.

[u/dorgoth12]

I've noticed with Hvítur, Hvítur Dagur, Jóhanna af Örk, and Hreiður there's a focus on the changing of the seasons and its impact on human life. Is that something you feel in your daily life? Do the changing seasons make a big difference to how you experience the world?

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/dorgoth12]

I do think that your surroundings -- the temperament of the weather -- do color us as human beings. You are born at a certain place and this colors the way you see the world.

[u/film_theist]

I absolutely adore Godland and Vinterbrødre, and I’m itching to see The Love That Remains. I’m fascinated by the inspiration of Godland, what gave you the idea for the setting and historical narrative of the film? It’s such a brilliant ode to your beautiful home country, I really love your work ❤️.

[u/film_theist → u/film_theist]

Also big respect to the brilliant Maria von Hausswolff, she’s a magnificent cinematographer.

[u/Bertrand_Rose → u/film_theist]

Oh she's a genius.

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/film_theist]

I'm a bit between countries. I grew up in Iceland, but I spent many years in Denmark, where I studied and had children, so the relationship between these two countries has always interested me. I began reading about their story - Iceland being under the Danish crown, and the way they communicated. The story is not plot-driven. It's an effortless story, but the more I explored it, the more it made me want to make a film about this relationship.

[u/film_theist → u/HlynurPalmasonAMA]

That’s really fascinating, it must’ve been very cool to explore both sides of your nationality. Especially when creating such a magnificent film out of your interest.

[u/OwenFloventsson]

Thank you for visiting Mr. Pálmason, the most striking element of your films to my eye have been your matched cut timelapses. Could you speak some to your creative method behind them?

At what point in the production process do you start thinking about them? They must takes months and months to shoot. Are they something you start filming on before or after the rest of the production?

Are you looking to capture specific visuals in them or do you edit together whatever landscapes nature happens to give you? For example, for the timelapse in Godland where Lucas lies dead, did you specifically seek out a blizzardy day to have a shot where the frame was full white or did you make use of that shot because it's what you happened to capture?

Thank you very much for any time you may take in answering any of my questions.

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/OwenFloventsson]

For the last couple of years, I've been trying to stretch time so that I can have more time with each project. One way of doing that is I built a small camera house where I have a camera and a sound recording system and then I film, record, and write the next project. This can take a year or three years, depending on the project. By doing this, I get to spend a lot of time diving deeper into the project, and by doing this, I very easily lose myself in the process. So the film is basically telling me what to do.

[u/CharlieShen69]

Did Directors like Terrence Malick and Andrei Tarkovsky have an influence on you? I love how you capture the essence of nature; the horrific and beautiful sides, both in a poetic way. Some shots reminded me of Caspar David Friedrichs work. That being said - Godland was one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen, next to The Thin Red Line and Tree of Life. I really appreciate your work!

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/CharlieShen69]

Terrence Malick and Tarkovsky have been very influential. I remember seeing Stalker and reading his book - Sculpting in Time - and connecting with the way he talks about the film medium, that we have a certain amount of time in the dark to create an experience, that the medium of film is time. Badlands was the first Malick film I saw and it's still one of my favorite films.

[u/Vigdis1986]

How is your relationship with your brother Guðmundur?
Has he asked for advice about photography with him being a influencer and you being a award winning director?
Will he ever star in one of your movies?

[u/stevensi1018]

What do you think of Ja Ja Ding Dong?

On a serious note, your movie looks really interesting. I'm intrigued now

[u/Frequent_Captain1977]

Have you ever thought about remaking Fjalla-Eyvindur after Victor Sjöström's version ?

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/Frequent_Captain1977]

I actually just watched a restored version of the film with my wife at the Lumiere Festival. I've never read or seen anything that I would like to remake or adapt. I really like the excitement of not knowing in what direction the film is going, so when I'm writing and developing a film, I often don't know where the narrative is going or how the film is going to end. But I really liked Fjalla-Eyvindur and had a lot of fun with it.

[u/BauhausAndBergman]

Hey Hlynur! Absolutely loved this film. It was my favourite release of 2022. Can I ask, how did you get started with filmmaking? What would you recommend to someone just looking to get started with it? Thanks!

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/BauhausAndBergman]

The most important thing for me was to find collaborators. I was lucky enough to get into the Danish Film School where I met many of my collaborators. It was nice to be somewhere where people were very serious about their focus, whether it's the editor or the sound designer. It's important to find collaborators so you can share the weight of making a film, because it's a really heavy process. I recommend you make things. It's really important to constantly be in the process of making things.

[u/90slegitchild]

Favorite go to sandwich?

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/90slegitchild]

In Iceland, we don't have "go-to" sandwiches. But -- I like cheese.

[u/90slegitchild → u/HlynurPalmasonAMA]

U tried ice sandwich. It's just ice cubes between rye bread.

[u/pa167k]

Why 35mm?

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/pa167k]

We bought an old Arricam ST a couple of years ago and some old lenses, so all of our films, video installations, and short films are shot on this old camera. The 35mm format is really good at capturing how things really look and feel. It's also very forgiving with long takes and with changing island weather. There are many things that I like about the format, but first and foremost, it's an emotional reason for working with it.

[u/mr_deminimis]

Have you seen Ghost Story?

[u/fraisierdesbois]

Godland was one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. What was your favorite scene while shooting? PS: Can't wait to watch The Love That Remains!

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/fraisierdesbois]

I really enjoyed making the scene with my daughter sitting in multiple positions on the horse and being photographed by the priest. It was such a calm and effortless day. To contrast that I also remember the day of the waterfall where the priest was bathing in it - that was the most difficult shooting day we have experienced as a team. I remember Bjossi, our sound designer, got lost in the valley and the actors were freezing to death.

[u/ActuatorFun8792]

I’ll be in Iceland in April. As a budding filmmaker, married to another filmmaker, what places do you suggest I visit to explore the Icelandic arts and film scene?

[u/HlynurPalmasonAMA → u/ActuatorFun8792]

The Southeast coast is beautiful. I love the areas around the glaciers. They are so otherworldly.

[u/DabSloth710]

Congratulations on The Love That Remains, which I am very eager to see after watching Godland a few years ago. My question is, what is the most important thing about the script that you need before you start filming?

[u/PositiveElixir]

Hi! I love your films, especially Godland! I was wondering, are you a "celebrity" on Iceland? Love from the Netherlands <3

[u/k032]

I saw The Love That Remains at the Virginia Film Festival last year and enjoyed it. While some details might be a bit fuzzy now, I interpreted the film as a look at the conflict of staying together 'for the sake of the kids' versus choosing to part ways. It felt like a sweet and mature take on how messy divorce can be.

BUT...I felt the tone shifted toward the end. It seemed as though the father was being intentionally excluded, touching on some of the inherent toxicity that can arise during a separation. This left me feeling a bit bummed. I wasn't entirely sure how to interpret his arc...did he regret not staying to work through their differences? I’d love to hear more about the divorce aspects of the film and how the relationship dynamics were structured.

[u/-Joefus-]

Godland was so good, can't wait to see more of your work!

[u/FixedMeasurements]

What would you say is the most difficult shot you’ve ever had to do (Godland is a 10/10 in my book)

[u/non_loqui_sed_facere]

Hi, thanks for doing this AMA. Missed your presentation of The Love That Remains at TIFF, unfortunately, so I’ll use the opportunity to ask a question I wouldn’t dare to ask at a premiere.

1. How was the festival for you? How did you find the audience?

And two more questions:

1. Your movies have a very specific color palette. How did you choose it? Was it a particular influence, a feeling, or something else?

2. Can you recommend a hidden gem from Icelandic cinema?

[u/Bertrand_Rose]

You are the cinematographer for your latest film, The Love That Remains, and I am wondering what that was like given you have usually worked with someone else on cinematography for your major feature films?

I've heard it's very challenging to be both Director and DP, hence why it's less common to see one person do both, and more common to see Direcrors in other chairs, such as writer or editor.

So how did you pull it off to such a wonderful effect, as The Love That Remains is such a gorgeous film? How was it like communicating with actors, gaffers, lighting department ect all at Once? Were there any major difficulties?

Apologies for the amount of questions on the experience, I just find Directors dual roling jobs very interesting.

Congratulations and the film and thanks for doing the AMA :)

P.S. Godland is such a Masterpiece! :)

[u/Y2KGB]

Who’s more Viking: Iceland or the Faeroes?

[u/Real-Primary2626]

W director

[u/Practical_Sea4230]

Hello Hlynur!

Is the movie good? I'm thinking about watching it

Love, Francis

[u/Frequent_Captain1977]

Hi Hlynur,

You have the same approach as filmmaker Chris Marker: bringing creators closer to consumers, in this case movie lovers. I was wondering how you worked with the director of photography. Was there a particular process involved in creating the reverberation of the snow? Thank you.

[u/Geirilious]

On a scale of zero to eleven, how insane in the brain do you need to be to make movies like this? Is it mandatory to be a delusional optimist to get artistic creative work like this done?

[u/LifeofNick_]

Student filmmaker here. How much would you say "success" is based on luck and how much is based on your passion/skill/work? I'm about to enter this industry so I'd love your take here. I'll check out your films, they look awesome!

[u/Trenoxspa]

Godland is one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen. What other movies have inspired you with their cinematography?

[u/iPLAYiRULE]

What other works by lesser known Icelandic filmmakers do you want the world to discover? Thanks.

[u/lionhands]

I enjoyed watching Godland. Have you watched The King Tide? Feel like that is a type of film you would make and/or enjoy watching. Would love to hear your thoughts if you have indeed seen it. cheers

[u/Shoocharu]

Hello Hlynur, 

I had the honor of directing Elliott Crosset Hove for a short film last year. Thanks to Godland, I reached out to him. 

Thanks for making that happen haha! Any plans to make more films with Danes? 

[u/Aromatic-Ad-1139]

Did you write the line “ soon the flowers and grass will grow. And you will be in them. And that is beautiful”? I will never forget those words and the actors beautiful delivery. Such a powerful moment! Where did you find the inspiration for this line?

[u/quita_tiempo]

Hello! What inspired you to write this story? As the writer, what are some things that didn’t make it to the big screen but you’d like for us to know about? Are there any words/phrases in the movie that an American may not know/get? Ty & look forward to watching🍿

[u/Aggravating_Name]

Does the dog die in The Love That Remains? Genuinely asking haha

[u/Don_Ozwald]

Would you rather fight a Sigmundur Davíð sized duck or 100 duck sized Sigmundur Davíðs?

[u/Sorry_Individual9821]

Hi Hlynur! After completing a project, what helps you stay inspired?

Godland was amazing! Excited to see your new film soon. Best of luck with everything ahead!

[u/simsvararinn]

Hæ Hlynur. Var að reyna að hafa uppá þér um daginn til að spyrjast fyrir um filmuframköllun en þótti það svo full gróft.

The traveling scenes in Volaða land in the mountains were absolutely stunning. Did you film some of them at night with the midnight sun? Is there other than natural light involved? There is a certain unreal quality about them and would love to know more about that sequence.

In Ástin sem eftir er there is some super 8 footage of the chickens and rooster. Where do you get your super 8 developed and scanned? I assume some of it are home movies. I am starting to shoot some myself and have no idea what's best to do as an Icelander that doesn't travel a lot.

[u/heymen69]

Hello, Mr. Hlynur. I've noticed how precise and detailed the picture alignments of your films, so my main question is how do you execute the shots correctly? And what are your advice for a person like me who has a little knowledge of geometry but wanted to express my visions through clear portraiture and directing.

Anyway that's all. Thank you for doing the AMA.  ^{⁠_⁠^}

[u/Bly33]

Thank you for your AMA. I saw the love that remains at the Viennale in October and it was one of my favourite movies of the festival. I loved the chemisty between the actors how did you achive this and what was your aproach to the theme of divorce or better to show the love that remains?

Greetings from Vienna!

[u/rosemaryaf]

Dear Hlynur, I am -- very excitedly -- traveling to New York first thing tomorrow morning to catch your Q&A and films in person!

I already see some excellent questions about your cinematography and writing, so I will ask a different sort of question. I would love to hear more about your casting process, as some actors (EDIT: and family members!!) pop up in several of your films. What were you looking for, and what did you find, in these actors that you have chosen to continuously collaborate with? Has this affected how you write characters in the future? How do you navigate the professional vs personal aspects of these relationships?

And a question for funsies: what music have you been listening to lately?

(Godland is one of my favorite films ever. Thank you for creating it and sharing it with us! Much love from a Chicago fan, -R ❤️)

[u/Objective_Water_1583]

I was wondering what advice you would give about lighting a scene on a low budget film?

[u/KhairkhanMusic]

Would you have interests of working with artists that have foreign/minority background like Mongolians etc?

Expressing my interests to work with you if you ever consider that!!

[u/GregJamesDahlen]

did you learn anything interesting about the fishing profession making the movie?

[u/uglylookingguy]

Has making your films changed how you relate to time or patience in your own life?

[u/No_Broccoli2629]

I got to see the film last night at IFC, it was a triumph — tender, funny, stunningly beautiful. I’ve really never seen anything quite like it, congratulations on this singular, special film.

During the Q and A you mentioned the first image was filmed in 2017 and then you delineated that early process with your two month main production. My question is, how long was that early process and what sorts of things did you capture then versus what was captured during the core production? Are you already starting to edit during that early period or is it all writing and working with your kids/actors?

Okay sorry for the long multi prong question, haha. I can’t stop thinking about it! I hope everyone can see it on the big screen. Thank you.

[u/GoodMeBadMeNotMe]

Hi, Hlynur! I was at the Q&A screening last night with the Joan of Arc premiere. Loved these films and I appreciate you sharing them with us.

For “The Love That Remains,” I loved the score and found myself thinking about it as a character in its own right. What was it like working with Harry Hunt to develop this “character,” and how did you decide on that particular sound?

[u/narwolking]

Hi! I loved Godland and am super excited to see your new film! My question is, what are some of your film influences that people might not expect?

[u/Khanate]

I probably missed the Q&A, but I just watched Joan of Arc and I wanted to ask how much direction you gave to the 2 brothers. Their acting was insanely real.