Ólafur Arnalds

Sound

Ólafur Arnalds

Born 1986-11-03 · Mosfellsbær, Iceland

Ólafur Arnalds (born 3 November 1986) is an Icelandic multi-instrumentalist, music producer and composer for film and television projects.

Acting credits

Let Me Fall poster
5.9

When 15-year-old Magnea meets Stella, everything changes. Stella's no-holds-barred lifestyle drags them both into a world of drugs, which brings serious consequences for each of them, and their relationship. Twelve years later their paths cross again, and a reckoning between them becomes unavoidable.

Let Me Fall

2018

No artwork available
NR

What is it about Icelandic culture that produces such a rich vein of music? Tónlist features Icelandic musicians, music industry experts, journalists - while utilising the breathtaking scenery from across the island for some truly stunning visuals that are heavily prominent in the doc. Volcanoes from the air, record stores, waterfalls, hotdog stands, glaciers and magnificent beards. Prominent Icelandic musician's such as Ólafur Arnalds, Ásgeir, Snorri Helgason, Múm, and Ólöf Arnalds are present to perform unique live performances in stunning locations and provide a greater insight into the ethos and character of Icelandic music. The doc of course boasts a gorgeous soundtrack consisting purely of music from Icelanders.

Tónlist

2014

PressPausePlay poster
7.1

The digital revolution of the last decade has unleashed creativity and talent of people in an unprecedented way, unleashing unlimited creative opportunites. But does democratized culture mean better art, film, music and literature or is true talent instead flooded and drowned in the vast digital ocean of mass culture? Is it cultural democracy or mediocrity? This is the question addressed by PressPausePlay, a documentary film containing interviews with some of the world’s most influential creators of the digital era.

PressPausePlay

2011

Where's the Snow?! poster
NR

"Where's The Snow?!" is the electrifying and compellingly-unique story of the most insane music festival you've never heard of - welcome to Iceland Airwaves

Where's the Snow?!

2010

When We Are Born poster
7.5

WHEN WE ARE BORN is a unique live performance film that tells a touching and thoroughly human story based in part on Ólafur’s life. Filmed on location in Iceland in summer 2020, it features the contributions of an unparalleled creative collective including ground-breaking choreographer Erna Ómarsdóttir, the Iceland Dance Company and cinematographer Thor Eliasson. The music in the film builds upon Ólafur’s critically praised new album ‘some kind of peace’ and was performed and recorded live on set, representing a constant cinematic conversation between picture and music. Vincent Moon’s intimate cinematic vision brings this layered metaphorical world to life as we see Ólafur’s music manifested and symbolised all around him through set design, lighting and dance. Through themes of rituals, relationships and exploration of our inner landscapes, this is a film focused on how we all move forward.

When We Are Born

2021

Living Room Songs poster
NR

In celebration of Ólafur Arnalds' recent BAFTA nomination for his score work on Broadchurch, Erased Tapes are streaming his 2011 Living Room Songs film in full; including behind the scenes footage which has previously only been available as part of the special edition CD/DVD set.

Living Room Songs

2011

Behind the camera

Island Songs poster
10.0

A film by Baldvin Z & Ólafur Arnalds Island Songs is a unique audio-visual portrait of my home country, Iceland. In 2016 I travelled to 7 towns across Iceland and collaborated with 7 local artists to create, record and perform a new composition. For 7 weeks we released a brand new song and live video every Monday. Alongside the performances we made this film, Island Songs, where we explore what makes these artists tick, the influence the country has had on their lives and try to show a different side of this island we all call home.

Island Songs

2017

When We Are Born poster
7.5

WHEN WE ARE BORN is a unique live performance film that tells a touching and thoroughly human story based in part on Ólafur’s life. Filmed on location in Iceland in summer 2020, it features the contributions of an unparalleled creative collective including ground-breaking choreographer Erna Ómarsdóttir, the Iceland Dance Company and cinematographer Thor Eliasson. The music in the film builds upon Ólafur’s critically praised new album ‘some kind of peace’ and was performed and recorded live on set, representing a constant cinematic conversation between picture and music. Vincent Moon’s intimate cinematic vision brings this layered metaphorical world to life as we see Ólafur’s music manifested and symbolised all around him through set design, lighting and dance. Through themes of rituals, relationships and exploration of our inner landscapes, this is a film focused on how we all move forward.

When We Are Born

2021