The Seer and the Unseen

The future of the planet is at stake, and one woman won’t give up without a fight – for both Iceland’s volcanic plains, and for the country’s elves.

Expanding your Icelandic bed and breakfast? Erecting a new building on the island’s sprawling countryside? Worried about the impact upon the Nordic nation’s magical inhabitants? Then Ragnhildur Jonsdottir is an essential port of call. A devoted grandmother, Ragga has always contended that she can see and speak with the country’s huldufólk, or hidden people: elves, dwarves, trolls and other fantastical creatures that occupy a unique place in Icelandic identity. Protecting their habitats and rallying against Iceland’s development boom, Ragga’s also waging a determined war to save her homeland.

A producer on Audrie & Daisy (MIFF 2016) and co-producer of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, documentarian Sara Dosa not only juxtaposes stunning landscape shots with telling images of a booming modern Iceland in this timely and visually striking film, but takes an even-handed approach to the beliefs and eco-conscious motivations of her engaging central subject.

“Savvy, appealing and meticulously made … this beautifully constructed film works for even the most rational viewers.” – The Hollywood Reporter