AGP Executive Report

Film in Iceland: Death Stranding director Michael Sarnoski is scouting locations in Iceland for the A24 adaptation, which is planned to shoot in Iceland and Northern Ireland next year. Gaming: Overwatch launched a new season featuring Grimsvøten, a volcanic Iceland map. Icelandic Cinema: La Gradiva won Reykjavík’s Golden Puffin. Music and Fashion: Björk performed in the Mugler collection she inspired at its Paris debut. Eurovision: Iceland looks set to join Ireland in boycotting the contest again over Israel’s participation. Streaming: Síminn Sjónvarp Premium earned the highest approval rating among Icelandic streaming services.

Iceland-US Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured Iceland that Washington won’t expand military presence or build infrastructure without Reykjavík’s consent, calling the island a “critical outpost” for Arctic security during a NATO tour. Public Health & Transparency: A suspected pneumonic plague death in Siberia has triggered global concern; the CDC says there’s “no indication of a broader US threat,” while Rubio pressed Russia for more details and the WHO says Russia hasn’t identified the pathogen. Film & Production in Iceland: A24’s Death Stranding movie is ramping up, with director Michael Sarnoski scouting Iceland locations for next year’s shoot. Local Screen Success: Reykjavík International Film Festival closed with La Gradiva winning the Golden Puffin. Music Spotlight: Adult DVD released their debut LP Adult DVD and announced a UK/Europe tour. Sports (Iceland): Estonia host Iceland in Nations League action, with free viewing options flagged via UEFA.tv.

Reykjavík Film Festival: Marine Atlan’s La Gradiva won RIFF’s Golden Puffin, taking top honors in the New Visions competition, while Camille Bildsøe’s documentary If Luck Will Come grabbed the A Different Tomorrow prize. Live Music: Ólafur Arnalds returned to Dublin’s National Concert Hall for sold-out shows of Falling Apart Together, blending piano, electronics and orchestral work into an immersive, installation-like experience. TV Drama (Baltics/Nordics): Tallinn TV Beats’ 2026 co-financing market lineup is out, with Iceland-linked projects among 10 geopolitically driven dramas, including Darius Jabloński’s spy thriller Fortel and Kadri Kousaar’s Soviet-era Stormbird. Games: Overwatch Season 5 lands Oct. 6 with Halloween content and a new Talon Support hero, Doctrine. Arctic Diplomacy (context for Iceland): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Reykjavík to push Arctic security and deeper US-Iceland ties, amid wider NATO and Russia tensions.

TV & Drama: BBC prison drama “Time” returns for season 3, with creator Jimmy McGovern teasing new young-offenders stories starring David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran. Film Spotlight: Romain Gavras’ satirical action-adventure “Sacrifice” premieres in Athens, with parts shot in Iceland alongside Greece and Bulgaria. Iceland on Screen: Apple TV’s documentary “The Last First: Winter K2” spotlights Icelandic mountaineer John Snorri Sigurjonsson and the deadly commercialization behind the 2021 winter climb. Public Health Shock: Russia downplays reports of a suspected plague case after a lab worker’s death in Siberia; the US says it’s monitoring closely as quarantines expand. Arctic & Security: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Reykjavík to discuss economic and security collaboration as Washington boosts Arctic presence. Sports Tension: Ireland’s Nations League clash with Israel ends 1-1 amid a spitting allegation and heated exchanges involving Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrímsson. Tech & Travel Buzz: China’s Golden Week sees more trips but lower spending, while luxury travel trends point to Europe staying top of the wish list. Business/Industry: Alvotech gets FDA approval to expand SIMLANDI® (adalimumab-ryvk) drug-substance manufacturing capacity at its Reykjavik facility.

Fantastic Film: Strasbourg’s 19th European Fantastic Film Festival crowned Danish director Kasper Kalle’s No Rest for the Wicked with the Golden Octopus, with other European genre winners also taking prizes. Iceland on the Global Stage (Arctic): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Iceland to discuss economic and security collaboration as Washington boosts Arctic presence after a Greenland security pact. Icelandic Sports Spotlight: Heimir Hallgrimsson, coaching Ireland, declined to comment on a reported spitting allegation during the Ireland–Israel Nations League clash, saying a disciplinary committee will review it. Streaming & Film Picks: Apple TV’s The Last First: Winter K2 is now streaming, while October weekend viewing also highlights horror and new releases. Fashion & Pop Culture: Björk turned up in Mugler’s Paris debut look while performing a DJ set in Poland, blending Icelandic artistry with high-fashion buzz. Music Radar: New releases to watch include Blackhaine, horsegiirL, DJ HEARTSTRING, plus fresh singles and albums making noise this week.

Icelandic pop culture & fashion: Björk turned up as Mugler’s satellite DJ model for the brand’s She Inspired collection debut—wearing a butterfly-print look and a 1997 Mugler feather headpiece while closing a touring exhibition stop in Poland. Music watch: Mixmag spotlights fresh releases including Judder’s October compilation, Cristale’s “Never Leave Me,” and REYUS’s genre-hopping debut album “I’m Listening.” Streaming & spooky season: This October weekend’s picks include HBO Max’s “Evil Dead: Burn” and Apple TV’s “The Last First: Winter K2,” plus the Adult Swim/HBO Max animated “Get Jiro!” Football with Iceland ties: Ireland’s Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson faced fresh press-conference flare-ups around the Ireland–Israel Nations League return in Serbia, with tempers also spilling onto the pitch after a 1-1 draw and allegations of spitting. Sports spotlight: The All Whites’ Kirin Cup final vs Japan offers a rare top-20 test, while Nations League Golden Boot chatter has Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Leo Walta tied on four goals.

Nordic Arts Spotlight: Nordic Exposure’s inaugural Bucharest run (Sept 16–20) brought Iceland and other Nordic voices to Romanian readers through literature, music, bilingual poetry, film screenings, and debates on identity, crime fiction, architecture, and translation networks. Nations League Watch: Portugal host Norway in Porto (Oct 4, 7:45pm local; US: FS2/Fubo) as both sides chase momentum after Ronaldo’s early exit from camp. Baltic Football Update: Estonia edged Luxembourg 1-0 in Tallinn to move into second in League C Group 4, with a key next match against Iceland in Tallinn. Iceland-Linked Sports Culture: A Faroe Islands science feature spotlights ocean-current research tied to the Atlantic system that can shape weather far beyond the North Atlantic. Streaming & Film Buzz: Apple TV’s documentary The Last First: Winter K2 keeps climbing into the conversation, mixing mountaineering history with tragedy and modern spectacle. Cruise Lifestyle: Oceania Cruises expands its 2027–28 Europe programme, including its first full Mediterranean winter season on Oceania Allura.

Iceland-Linked Football Politics: Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says UEFA should consider whether Ireland and Israel should ever meet again, arguing the Nations League dispute has affected player welfare, while he declined to answer for himself. Press Room Tensions: Ireland’s pre-match news conference in Serbia ended abruptly after Israeli reporters heckled Hallgrimsson and questions turned to a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight incident. Streaming & Iceland TV: A new Maskína survey puts Síminn’s Sjónvarp Símans Premium at the top for Icelandic streaming, with 43% calling it the best domestic service. Documentary Spotlight: Apple TV’s The Last First: Winter K2 is now streaming, spotlighting Icelandic climber John Snorri Sigurjónsson and the deadly 2021 winter ascent. Culture & Art: A feature explores sculptor Einar Jónsson and his esoteric, Theosophy-linked approach to Icelandic identity. Travel Passes: DiscoverEU applications are open for 18-year-olds (including Iceland) for free rail travel across Europe.

Iceland Football Spotlight: Strakarnir okkar host Bulgaria at Laugardalsvollur on Saturday, aiming to build on their Nations League momentum after a 3-0 win over Luxembourg and a top-of-group position under Arnar Gunnlaugsson. Streaming & Iceland Culture: A new survey says Sjónvarp Símans Premium is Iceland’s top domestic streaming service, with about 43% of viewers naming it best. Documentary Buzz: Apple TV has released The Last First: Winter K2, an extreme-climbing documentary featuring Icelandic climber John Snorri Sigurjónsson and the 2021 winter attempt on K2. Arts & Film: Emilíana Torrini’s new project turns a suitcase of forgotten letters into a living soundtrack, while Taskmaster continues to expand its North American audience with a fresh look at how lineups are built. TV & Pop Culture: Fans keep mapping Game of Thrones intimacy scenes to real locations, and today’s TV picks include a sharp divorce drama starring Sienna Miller. Weekend Family Picks: Looking for something to do with kids? This weekend’s “fun things” list leans into hands-on events and big entertainment energy.

Streaming & TV in Iceland: A new Maskína survey puts Sjónvarp Símans Premium at the top for Icelandic viewers, with 43% calling it the best domestic service (ahead of RÚV at 35.9% and Sýn+ at 17.8%). Documentary spotlight: Apple TV has released “The Last First: Winter K2”, an Amir Bar-Lev film about the 2021 winter attempt on K2 featuring Icelandic climber John Snorri Sigurjónsson and the Sadpara father-and-son team. Music & film culture: Icelandic singer Emilíana Torrini is behind a new project built from a suitcase of letters, turning private correspondence into a living soundtrack. Sports with a cultural edge: Iceland’s men’s team hosts Bulgaria in the Nations League, aiming to build on recent form in League C4. Europe travel for young people: DiscoverEU applications are open for 18-year-olds (including Iceland) for free rail travel passes, with a new heritage-focused route.

Streaming Spotlight: A new Maskína survey says about 43% of Icelanders rate Sjónvarp Símans Premium as the best domestic streaming service, ahead of RÚV (35.9%) and Sýn+ (17.8%)—with Síminn also reporting 17% ad-sales growth at Sjónvarp Símans and Billboard. Weekend Watchlist: Netflix/HBO Max and more are stacked for Oct. 2–4, including Netflix’s “East of Eden”, plus new OTT picks like ZEE5’s “Pooja Meri Jaan” and JioHotstar’s “Bethlehem Kudumba Unit.” Documentary Drop: Apple TV now has “The Last First: Winter K2,” following Icelander John Snorri Sigurjónsson and the Sadpara father-son team on a winter bid for K2. Local Sports: Iceland hosts Bulgaria in UEFA Nations League action as Strakarnir okkar look to build on their recent form. Culture & Crime: A profile of Iceland’s only full-time forensic pathologist, Petur Gudmannsson, explores how he’s become a go-to expert for the country’s growing literary crime boom.

Eurovision Boycott Watch: Iceland’s public broadcaster RÚV says the country could skip Eurovision 2027 if Israel is allowed to compete, with six of nine board members backing the stance after Iceland boycotted Vienna 2026. Football & Culture Clash: Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson blamed “tiredness” for Ireland’s 2-2 Nations League draw with Austria, while the Israel fixture fallout continues to spill into squad psychology and matchday decisions. LGBTQ Milestone: Ana Brnabić became Serbia’s acting president and the world’s first openly lesbian head of state, drawing praise from Leo Varadkar and noting Iceland’s own historic firsts. Arts & Community: Banff Centre’s Mountain Film and Book Festival will honor Canadian climber Sarah Hueniken with the 2026 Summit of Excellence Award. Tech for Collectors: Casio unveiled new blue sapphire G-Shocks (MRG-B5000SA-2JR and GMW-B5000SB-1A2JF), both featuring lab-grown stones. Media Freedom: Turkey’s court ordered the shutdown of independent outlet T24 over alleged “LGBT propaganda.”

Iceland–EU Arts & Media: RÚV board minutes say Iceland could boycott Eurovision 2027 if Israel is allowed to compete, echoing this year’s Israel-related pullouts. Film & Animation Industry: Denmark’s animated series “Pony Pony” won the new Best Pitch Award at the 10th Young Horizons Industry, with cash prizes added for the first time. Culture Policy: Ireland’s opposition calls a €100 “culture voucher” for 16-year-olds “watered down,” saying it copies earlier Sinn Féin ideas but drops sports and reaches fewer families. Sports & Entertainment Politics: Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says the Nations League return vs Israel will go ahead, despite player and public backlash; a psychologist has been brought in for the squad. Tech/Business in the Nordics: Payhawk opens a Stockholm office as its Nordic hub, covering Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Iceland. Iceland in the News Cycle: Iceland’s aquaculture bill is reportedly absent from parliament’s agenda due to other priorities.

Iceland Spotlight (Arts & Culture): Apple TV’s October slate is getting a boost with The Last First: Winter K2, a high-altitude documentary following Icelander John Snorri Sigurjónsson and the Sadpara father-son team as they chase the winter summit of K2. Film & TV Buzz: Celebrity Traitors season 2 is landing soon, but comedian Joe Lycett’s Channel 4 travel show Travel Man has reportedly been axed just before his big return. Gaming: IO Interactive has teased a new free DLC for 007 First Light, with Iceland among the game’s locations and a DLC reveal set for Oct. 1. Local Sports (Iceland): Luxembourg’s Nations League hopes took a hit as Iceland ran out 3-0 winners, with Gudjohnsen, Oskarsson and Pálsson on the scoresheet. International Entertainment & Culture: Eurovision’s 70th anniversary push comes with fresh politics—boycotts have already reshaped participation, and Iceland is named among those sitting out.

Iceland in the spotlight (travel + culture): easyJet is adding a new direct Keflavík–Naples route for summer 2027, while RIFF’s Industry Days (Sept 29–Oct 3) in Reykjavík are spotlighting Arctic stories with a new Arctic Script Lab for emerging Nordic and Arctic screenwriters. Eurovision politics: Eurovision’s boss says the contest wants to expand its brand despite fresh frictions, with boycotts over Israel’s participation still reshaping who shows up. Football (Ireland vs Israel): Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson says the team will play its second Nations League match against Israel despite public opposition, with squad views still split. Film + TV to watch: Apple TV’s “The Last First: Winter K2” premieres Oct 2, and James Bond fans get a teased free DLC for “007 First Light” on Oct 1. Local arts: Reykjavík’s RIFF also runs Work in Progress showcases, while Iceland-linked “The Last First: Winter K2” and IDFA additions keep the international doc scene buzzing.

Nordic Film Industry: RIFF’s Industry Days (29 Sep–3 Oct) spotlights ten Iceland-linked works in progress and launches the Arctic Script Lab, a new development push for emerging Nordic and Arctic writer-directors, mentored by Dagur Kári. Iceland on the Global Screen: Juno Films has picked up North American rights to Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard’s experimental biographical film The Extraordinary Miss Flower, featuring Icelandic performer Emilíana Torrini, with a planned NYC/L.A. theatrical run and digital release in 2027. Animation & Awards: Montreal’s Animaze wrapped its 13th edition with Who’s Waiting for You? winning Grand Jury Prize; Iceland’s Fallax earned a VR special mention for environmental storytelling. Music Spotlight: Julia Jacklin talks about making her new album The Gem after a year of solo residencies, including time in Iceland. Pop Culture Watch: IO Interactive teased a free DLC for 007 First Light (Bond fans: mark Oct 1). International Feature Film: Oscars’ Best International Feature submissions are nearing 90 entries as the Sept. 30 deadline approaches.