Based on true events that occurred some 26 years ago, The Deep was first adapted on stage by Jón Atli Jónasson who then collaborated with Kormákur on this film adaptation. It's the story of a young fisherman who swam in the icy waters for over five hours to reach the Southern Icelandic shores of Vestmann Islands while his four comrades perished at sea. "It's a dramatic story with beautiful elements, as we follow this robust young man's epic struggle for survival and for regaining control of his life," said producer Agnes Johansen. The Deep could also be regarded as an allegory of Icelanders' attempt to swim out of their country's troubled economic waters and a tribute to Iceland's true heroes, the fishermen and their families. The film was co-produced with Norway's Filmhuset, with support from the Icelandic Film Centre, the Norwegian Film Institute, Nordisk Film & TV Fond and Eurimages. Delivery date is set for 2011. Johansen said the producers are currently in negotiations with several sales agents for international distribution.
Johansen is also watching carefully the box office figures of Grimur Hakonarson's debut feature Summerland that opened last weekend for a sixth place at the Icelandic Top Ten. The producer believes the feel-good movie could have a long life on Icelandic screens and attract buyers keen on Hakónarson's distinctive style displayed in his short films.
Meanwhile, Kormákur's English language film Inhale starring Dermot Mulroney and Diane Kruger will hit Icelandic and US screens in October, and his next Hollywood project Contraband starring Mark Wahlberg will go into production for Working Title within the next few months, prior to his mega Viking project.