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When I was a teenager, I saw the scariest, most riveting film ever: Aliens. The film had everything a teenage boy dreams about: spaceships, gun-toting marines, scary, slimy monsters, and Sigourney Weaver. I then watched Alien, which was just as amazing.  Aliens has always been one of my favorite fictional universes. However, I was not pleased with its sequels. I have always held out hope that the Alien franchise would hatch something great. You can then imagine my excitement when the TV series Alien Earth was announced. I was even more intrigued when I learnt that an Icelander, Ugla Hauksdottir, would direct two episodes of the series. Ugla is not stopping there; her first feature film, The Fires, is now in cinemas.

Movie poster for Eldarnir (The Fires), directed by Ugla Hauksdottir, featuring actors Vigdís Hrefna Pálsdóttir and Pilou Asbæk embracing against a backdrop of volcanic smoke and lava.
Director Ugla Hauksdóttir’s powerful new film Eldarnir (The Fires) stars Vigdís Hrefna Pálsdóttir and Pilou Asbæk, set against the backdrop of an Icelandic volcanic disaster.

My readers are familiar with the TV series Trapped, starring the wonderful actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson. Ugla directed two episodes of season two. She has also worked on hit shows such as Hanna, Snowfall, and The Power. However, this year she’s taking things to another level. In addition to directing this year’s top TV series, Ugla directs the film The Fires, based on the bestselling novel by the fantastic Icelandic author Sigríður Hagalín Björnsson. The story unfolds in the shadow of a catastrophic volcanic eruption just outside Reykjavik. If you’ve read the book, you know this is going to be something special. The Fires are now showing in the cinemas here in Reykjavik. English speakers living in Reykjavik will be happy to learn that Bíó Paradís will screen The Fires with English subtitles on October 2nd.

Video: The Fires, Official Trailer

 

One more thing to mention about Ugla before I kick off the interview: she is the first Icelandic woman to become a member of the Directors Guild of America. A fantastic achievement.

Director Ugla Hauksdottir gives direction to actor Samuel Blenkin on the set of Alien Earth, inside a futuristic control room setting.
Ugla Hauksdottir on set directing actor Samuel Blenkin, who plays the sinister tech billionaire Boy Kavalier in the sci-fi series Alien Earth.

Hey Ugla, thank you so much for taking the time for this interview during what must be a busy time. How did it come about that you were asked to direct two episodes of Alien Earth

My first TV episodic directing gig was Icelandic hit show Trapped, and after that, the ball started rolling. When I signed with my talent agency Paradigm, my agents asked me who I wanted to work with in TV. As I’ve been a huge fan of Noah Hawley, the creator of the TV series Fargo and Legion, I told my agents with a smile that I wanted to work with Noah. I never imagined it could become a reality.

However, having worked on numerous hit TV series since Trapped and proven my ability as a director on large TV sets, it turned out that it could. I was incredibly surprised and honored when Noah asked for a meeting. It was an effortless conversation, and we bonded over all things Alien, a film that I had admired since I was a teenager. A few days later, the offer was official, and a couple of months later, I was on a plane en route to Bangkok, Thailand, where we filmed the show.

Ugla Hauksdottir directs Sandra Yi Sencindiver on the set of Alien Earth. Sencindiver plays the ruthless billionaire Yutani — the arch-nemesis of Boy Kavalier in this bold new chapter of the Alien universe.
Director Ugla Hauksdottir giving direction to actor Sandra Yi Sencindiver, who plays the powerful antagonist Yutani in the sci-fi series Alien Earth.

I can imagine that the pressure of delivering something special to the fans of the Aliens franchise is intense. How does working on Alien Earth compare to other projects you have worked on?

The Alien franchise has a huge and very loyal fanbase, and there are lots of very serious Alien nerds out there, as I have come to discover! I think the challenge is that you want to satisfy certain expectations, but of course, deliver a new, fresh spin. Alien: Earth definitely takes the story of Alien in a new direction, reflecting on very contemporary subjects like the future of technology and humanity in a rapidly advancing world. In the show, we also introduce new creatures, which were very exciting to bring to life. But the big question the show really tries to ask is: who are the monsters —the aliens, or the humans themselves?

Director Ugla Hauksdottir with actors Vigdís Hrefna Pálsdóttir and Markus Englmair on the ash-covered set of the Icelandic disaster film The Fires.
Director Ugla Hauksdottir on the set of The Fires, alongside lead actors Vigdís Hrefna Pálsdóttir and Markus Englmair. The film captures the emotional and environmental impact of a volcanic eruption near Reykjavík.

What can you tell me about The Fires? What was it like to work on that project?

The Fires was an incredible experience. It is my first feature film, which is obviously a significant moment. Therefore, it comes with a different set of responsibilities. The script is based on an Icelandic bestselling novel, and it has a lot of fans, which come with expectations. The book’s author, Sigríður Hagalín, trusted us with the material. In fact, she gave us absolute freedom to sculpt the screenplay as we best saw fit for the screen.

The Fires by Ugla Hauksdottir is dedicated to the people of Grindavík

The book is about volcanologist Anna. She is responsible for predicting volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula that might threaten towns on the peninsula and Reykjavík, our capital city, when a wave of earthquakes begins. Sigríður’s book turned out to be a prophecy for actual events, as a few months after it was published, we experienced our first volcanic eruption on the peninsula in 800 years. Since then, we’ve had 12 eruptions and counting.

It was incredibly exciting and dramatic to be adapting the book while all this was happening. It started with the beautiful “tourist eruption” in Fagradalsfjall. However, the danger grew bigger as the volcanic activity moved towards Grindavík town, home to 4,000 people, which has now been evacuated indefinitely. Suddenly, the threat became all too real, and the film’s subject matter became more relevant than ever. We dedicate the film to the residents of Grindavík who lost their homes during the fires in Sundhnjúkröð in 2023.

Director Ugla Hauksdottir and actor Pilou Asbæk sharing a laugh on the set of The Fires, inside a cozy, book-filled room.
Director Ugla Hauksdottir with acclaimed actor Pilou Asbæk on the set of The Fires. Asbæk plays a leading role in the film, which explores the personal and societal impact of a volcanic eruption near Reykjavík.

You’re the first Icelandic woman to join the Directors Guild of America — an amazing milestone. What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who want to follow in your footsteps?

We are fortunate to have a film fund in Iceland that supports first-time filmmakers like myself. There are many fantastic filmmakers in Iceland, but unfortunately, due to the limited funding, the waiting time to get a film made is quite long. We also rely heavily on co-productions with other countries to complete the funding for our films. This is a lengthy process. There is a constant threat of the film fund being cut, but also, the grant amounts for the development phase don’t change with the times, despite inflation. So in a way, developing films in Iceland sometimes feels like a hobby.

I am fortunate to have work in TV that allows me to sustain the development of my passion projects. My film education has been invaluable and has gotten me to where I am today, so I would encourage young aspiring filmmakers to attend film school to gain experience and find their voice. It’s a great opportunity to step into various roles in film production, make mistakes, and test yourself with different types of storytelling. After graduation, I made a short film with the help of the Icelandic Film Fund, and that’s how I began to develop a relationship with them in preparation for The Fires.

Actor Babou Ceesay, who plays Morrow in Alien Earth, in conversation with director Ugla Hauksdottir on set, seated at a table with tea and snacks.
Babou Ceesay, who portrays Morrow in the sci-fi series Alien Earth, in deep discussion with director Ugla Hauksdottir during filming. The series reimagines the Alien universe with a fresh, character-driven focus and stunning visuals.

What are your favorite places and activities in Iceland?

I love the outdoors, and it’s a constant goal to make more time to enjoy our beautiful country. It calms the mind and gives a new perspective. Hiking Fimmvörðuháls and Laugarvegur has been an unforgettable experience, and driving around the highlands is equally breathtaking. This summer, I drove along the South Coast and visited the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, Reynisfjara, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. I also love going up north to Skagafjörður and Eyjafjörður, where I spent a lot of time as a child with my mother’s family. Closer to Reykjavík, I often hike Helgafell or go for walks in Heiðmörk. But a constant favorite has got to be our amazing swimming pools! Just make sure you wash before dipping in, not to piss off the locals!

Video: Alien Earth Official Trailer:

 

What is your advice to people who are visiting Iceland for the first time?

My dream vacation would be to drive the entire circle around the country. I would give it at least a week to take in the many beautiful places along the way without rushing. My biggest piece of advice would be to be well-prepared for the weather. Iceland is a windy and chilly island even in summertime! Also, make sure you don’t arrive with an empty bank account, because prices are certainly very high.

See The Fires by Ugla Hauksdottir in Bíó Paradís

Lastly, don’t forget to check out our film The Fires, which plays with English subtitles in Bíó Paradís*, located in the city center. It is a great opportunity to gain insight into what it’s like to live on our volcanic island!

*Editor’s note: Bíó Paradís has the best popcorn of all cinemas in Reykjavik.