After years of lobbying from the local film industry, film lovers in the Icelandic capital finally have their own Bio Paradis (?Cinema Paradise'), a four screen cinema that will promote film culture and education and act as a meeting place for audiences, film talents and professionals.
BioParadis succeeds the Regnboginn cinema which was the first multiplex to open in Iceland in 1980. The new film house in the centre of Reykjavik is run by a non-profit organisation supported by the Association of Icelandic Film Producers, the Filmmakers' Association, the Film Directors' Guild of Iceland, RIFF and the Film Society. Lovisa Óladóttir, managing director of Bio Paradis describes the opening of the cinema as a ‘dream come true for Icelandic filmmakers', made possible thanks to the City of Reykjavik's current administration (led by mayor and comedian Jon Gnarr) who made a grant of ISK12m (around €79,000) and to other key investors including the Icelandic Film Centre.
In terms of programming, Bio Paradis will screen archive material, a wide variety of contemporary Icelandic and foreign feature films as well as shorts and documentaries. "We would like to offer more European films than what is currently shown in Icelandic cinemas, "continued Óladóttir. "Furthermore, we intend to open up a channel between the cinema and the Icelandic educational system to introduce children and youngsters to cinema at its best". Bio Paradis will also host all major film festivals such as Nordisk Panorama, the Reykjavik Short Film Days and the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) which will kick off on September 23. A bar/cafe and a shop with DVD's, books and film related products will soon round off the unique film experience at Bio Paradis.