Maximilian Hult is currently filming the romantic drama in Reykjavik for Sweden’s LittleBig Productions.

Written and directed by Hult, Pity the Lovers stars Björn Thors (Paris of the North), Jóel I Sæmundsson (Life in a Fishbowl), Sigurður Karlsson (Virgin Mountain), Edda Björgvinsdóttir (Under the Tree) and Hafdís Helga Helgadóttir (In Front of Others).

The story centres on the somewhat dysfunctional brothers Óskar and Maggi, their longing for love and their everyday struggles towards a balanced life. 

This is the second time the Swedish director makes a film in Iceland as his critically-acclaimed debut film Hemma was entirely shot there, with Swedish actors, but this is the first time ever he films in the Icelandic language. “I have to admit to a certain nervousness regarding directing Icelandic actors in a language I do not speak myself. But that concern disappeared as soon as the main cast was in place and we started working,” said Hult. 

LittleBig Productions’ Anders Granström said: “We're thrilled to be back in Iceland working with a highly professional, near all Icelandic production crew and all Icelandic cast. It´s amazing to watch the project come to life through a combination of Maximilian's directorial skills, the talented actor performances, a creative and professional contribution from the crew and, not to forget, the exceptional locations. It’s also wonderful to be able to in this way contribute to and further strengthen the ties between Swedish and Icelandic filmmaking.”

Anna G Magnúsdóttir who produces together with Granström said the film was ‘originally planned for production in Sweden but faced with the prospect of postponing the production for a whole year, waiting for the last bit of financing in Sweden, we opted for going to Iceland and bridge the financial gap with the 25% reimbursement for filming in Iceland.'

Just like Hemma, Pity the Lovers is co-produced by Guðrún Edda Þórhannesdóttir and Friðrik Þór Friðriksson of Iceland’s Spellbound Productions. Sena will release the film in Iceland in 2018, and Movieboosters - Swedish distributor of Hemma as well as Of Horses and Men - will handle the Swedish release. Green Lighting Studio is in charge of world sales.