top of page
The HFF hosts
Hornstrandir Film Festival (HFF), the most remote festival in the world, is driven by a movement of people from different sectors, each bringing their own unique X-factor and a shared love for nature and the outdoors. Each year, a group comes together as hosts, volunteering their time and energy to make the festival happen.
HFF is not funded or sponsored, the only horsepower behind it are the hosts, who pour their strengths into every aspect of the project. Their responsibilities range from guiding, setting up screenings and taking care of filmmakers and guests, to presenting films, managing food and transport, arranging boats and travel, and maintaining social media and administration, just to name a few.
Sustainability and Innovation
The movement behind HFF is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly solutions in every aspect, from energy to travel. It stands as a model for how creativity and environmental responsibility can merge.
Legacy and the Future
By bringing HFF to this remote location, the hosts are setting a new standard for film festivals, proving that cinema belongs everywhere, even in nature’s purest settings.
The HFF 2026 hosts
KRISTÍN
Kristín Sigurdardóttir has always taken a holistic approach to health. Throughout her career, she has advocated for health and wellbeing with a strong focus on lifestyle, prevention, and resilience. Kristín has been a distinguished clinician and a recognised thought leader in the field of medicine.
Her contributions across clinical practice, academia, professional leadership, and public service have established her as a respected authority in medical education, prevention, communication, and holistic health. She initially served as Program Director of the Emergency Department at the University Hospital and has also contributed through the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Iceland. In addition, she has served on various committees on behalf of the Icelandic Medical Association, including as Chair of the Educational Committee.
Beyond her medical and academic work, Kristín has been a guest lecturer at the University of Reykjavík and has served on the Icelandic Transportation Safety Board, reflecting the breadth of her expertise and public engagement.
Kristín is also a sought after public speaker, delivering corporate talks, courses, and conference presentations. Her influence and reputation are a testament to both her expertise and the impact of her work in promoting holistic approaches to wellbeing and health for people and the environment alike.
Her contributions across clinical practice, academia, professional leadership, and public service have established her as a respected authority in medical education, prevention, communication, and holistic health. She initially served as Program Director of the Emergency Department at the University Hospital and has also contributed through the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Iceland. In addition, she has served on various committees on behalf of the Icelandic Medical Association, including as Chair of the Educational Committee.
Beyond her medical and academic work, Kristín has been a guest lecturer at the University of Reykjavík and has served on the Icelandic Transportation Safety Board, reflecting the breadth of her expertise and public engagement.
Kristín is also a sought after public speaker, delivering corporate talks, courses, and conference presentations. Her influence and reputation are a testament to both her expertise and the impact of her work in promoting holistic approaches to wellbeing and health for people and the environment alike.
HAFDÍS
Hafdís Huld Björnsdóttir is a project manager by heart, which means she sees structure where others see chaos, opportunity where others see obstacles. Through her consulting firm, RATA, she helps teams and organizations clarify what matters, strengthen collaboration, and turn ambitious ideas into reality through honest conversations and shared direction.
Hafdís strongly believes there are no real problems, only projects waiting for a good plan and slightly optimistic people. She also has a habit of saying yes to ideas that sound a little unreasonable at first. She loves adventures and has, for example, crossed Vatnajökull, slept in ice caves in Svalbard, and gone on monthly camping trips across Iceland for nearly six years, using them as a way to reconnect with nature, clear her head, and breathe a little deeper.
For Hafdís Huld, the best moments happen outside, where the wind is loud enough to quiet everything else, conversations last longer than planned, and people somehow become more themselves. Simple, meaningful, slightly weather beaten, and just uncomfortable enough to become the kind of memories people laugh about for years afterwards.
Hafdís strongly believes there are no real problems, only projects waiting for a good plan and slightly optimistic people. She also has a habit of saying yes to ideas that sound a little unreasonable at first. She loves adventures and has, for example, crossed Vatnajökull, slept in ice caves in Svalbard, and gone on monthly camping trips across Iceland for nearly six years, using them as a way to reconnect with nature, clear her head, and breathe a little deeper.
For Hafdís Huld, the best moments happen outside, where the wind is loud enough to quiet everything else, conversations last longer than planned, and people somehow become more themselves. Simple, meaningful, slightly weather beaten, and just uncomfortable enough to become the kind of memories people laugh about for years afterwards.
BJARNEY
Bjarney Ludviksdottir, entrepreneur, director and producer with years of experience in the marketing and film industry, today working both in Iceland and in the United Arab Emirates. Bjarney is the visionaire behind Hornstrandir Film Festival and founded the event alongside like minded women, who shared their passion for the environment, climate and health. Together they created the most remote film festival in the world, where stories highlighting these topics are at the center stage.
Over the years, Bjarney has focused on creating impactful documentaries that bring untold stories to light. Her work highlights subjects often overlooked, like "Seeing the Unseen," a documentary that shines a spotlight on 17 courageous women on the autism spectrum and their battle to fit in. "How the Titanic Became My Lifeboat," an transformative journey of a young autistic boy building the world's largest LEGO replica that changed his life. Barney's third documentary, "Acting Normal with CVI," set to premiere in September 2024, shares the story of a young woman chasing her dreams despite living with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).
Over the years, Bjarney has focused on creating impactful documentaries that bring untold stories to light. Her work highlights subjects often overlooked, like "Seeing the Unseen," a documentary that shines a spotlight on 17 courageous women on the autism spectrum and their battle to fit in. "How the Titanic Became My Lifeboat," an transformative journey of a young autistic boy building the world's largest LEGO replica that changed his life. Barney's third documentary, "Acting Normal with CVI," set to premiere in September 2024, shares the story of a young woman chasing her dreams despite living with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).
BERTA
Berta is a dental technician, helps people to rebuild their smiles and chewing ability. Runs a dental lab in
Reykjavík, mother of two and has familyroots in Aðalvík in Hornstrandir. She has general interest in
health,nature, people and good communication. She loves music, singing, traveling, reading good books
and watching films that are moving and educating. Loves all kinds of sports, swimming, running, yoga,
hiking and skiing but surfing is the most exciting and moving because there is a special connection to
mother nature and yourself when you catch a wave!
Reykjavík, mother of two and has familyroots in Aðalvík in Hornstrandir. She has general interest in
health,nature, people and good communication. She loves music, singing, traveling, reading good books
and watching films that are moving and educating. Loves all kinds of sports, swimming, running, yoga,
hiking and skiing but surfing is the most exciting and moving because there is a special connection to
mother nature and yourself when you catch a wave!
GUNNI
Gunnar Ingi has worked as a guide in various capacities for over 10 years. His journey into guiding began after fulfilling a lifelong dream of joining the Icelandic Search and Rescue at around the age of 40, once family life allowed. However, his passion for travel and exploration was ignited much earlier—during an extensive journey across Africa following his university graduation in 1998.
He is a descendant of grandparents from Hornstrandir, and his connection to this remote and powerful region runs deep. The heritage, stories, and resilience rooted in Hornstrandir have profoundly shaped his identity and fuel an enduring passion for the area, as well as for hiking, mountaineering, and wilderness travel.
Gunnar has extensive experience in both short and long expeditions across Iceland’s highlands, mountains, and glaciers. His professional training includes Glacier Guide certification and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) qualification, complemented by over a decade of active Search and Rescue membership and training. This background provides a strong foundation in safety, navigation, and operating in demanding environments.
He is most at home under the open sky or in a tent, year-round. Among his favorite areas are the Icelandic highlands, Fjallabak, the glaciers, and Hornstrandir. When not in the mountains, he maintains a high level of physical activity through mountain running, crossfit, ski touring, alpine skiing, and, in recent years, yoga—recognizing the importance of holistic health and balance.
A natural storyteller, much like his grandfather, Gunnar often brings a book along on his journeys. Sharing stories—both personal and historical—is an integral part of his guiding style, enriching the experience for those who travel with him.
For Gunnar, guiding is not just a profession but a lifelong pursuit—one he does not intend to leave behind.
He is a descendant of grandparents from Hornstrandir, and his connection to this remote and powerful region runs deep. The heritage, stories, and resilience rooted in Hornstrandir have profoundly shaped his identity and fuel an enduring passion for the area, as well as for hiking, mountaineering, and wilderness travel.
Gunnar has extensive experience in both short and long expeditions across Iceland’s highlands, mountains, and glaciers. His professional training includes Glacier Guide certification and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) qualification, complemented by over a decade of active Search and Rescue membership and training. This background provides a strong foundation in safety, navigation, and operating in demanding environments.
He is most at home under the open sky or in a tent, year-round. Among his favorite areas are the Icelandic highlands, Fjallabak, the glaciers, and Hornstrandir. When not in the mountains, he maintains a high level of physical activity through mountain running, crossfit, ski touring, alpine skiing, and, in recent years, yoga—recognizing the importance of holistic health and balance.
A natural storyteller, much like his grandfather, Gunnar often brings a book along on his journeys. Sharing stories—both personal and historical—is an integral part of his guiding style, enriching the experience for those who travel with him.
For Gunnar, guiding is not just a profession but a lifelong pursuit—one he does not intend to leave behind.
INGA
Inga Hrönn is a pharmaceutical technician, a volunteer with the The Air Ground Rescue Team of Reykjavík (FBSR) and an outdoor enthusiast. She draws her life energy from the Icelandic nature and loves experiencing the power of the glaciers, volcanos, mountain peaks and the wilderness of Iceland. Her main modes of travel in the highlands are a jeep, backcountry skis and hiking boots. She has no time to travel abroad because she is so busy exploring every nook and cranny of the beautiful volcanic island. The highlight of all outdoor adventures is good companions and time spent together in the mountains!
GEIR
Geir is often described by close family members as the quintessential “Excel man” and “airport dad.” Yet beneath the structured exterior lies a quietly adventurous spirit and a strong sense of humour. Away from concrete and spreadsheets, this “Geirfugl” thrives in the outdoors, where a more heroic side tends to emerge.
These qualities are particularly valuable in the HFF adventure, where it helps to have someone who can organise travel logistics and nutritious provisions, and -most importantly- can step in to rescue the situation when the rest of the group has descended into chaos, all while keeping morale high with humour and good cheer.
Geir is a welcome addition to the team this year, alongside Gunnar, "the pioneer” as the first male host in HFF history, thereby "improving" the gender balance among the host lineup.
Geir spent his youth working long periods at sea and holds a captain’s licence, skills which may prove particularly useful in the Hornstrandir wilderness.
Geir will want you to believe that he is curmudgeonly and prickly, but do not be fooled. He is happiest when feeding others and making sure we all keep to time.
These qualities are particularly valuable in the HFF adventure, where it helps to have someone who can organise travel logistics and nutritious provisions, and -most importantly- can step in to rescue the situation when the rest of the group has descended into chaos, all while keeping morale high with humour and good cheer.
Geir is a welcome addition to the team this year, alongside Gunnar, "the pioneer” as the first male host in HFF history, thereby "improving" the gender balance among the host lineup.
Geir spent his youth working long periods at sea and holds a captain’s licence, skills which may prove particularly useful in the Hornstrandir wilderness.
Geir will want you to believe that he is curmudgeonly and prickly, but do not be fooled. He is happiest when feeding others and making sure we all keep to time.
bottom of page