The first 100 years are the worst

After the war, most people would have expected lb Riis to receive recognition for his outstanding work, but the British authorities turned their backs on him. Ironically, Riis was awarded the German Cross of Merit for his services. He´s the only Icelander in history to be officially awarded this medal. “All I got from the British was,” Thank you, old boy. Now get lost.” Oddly enough, the Germans treated me better than the British.”

The film’s story is portrayed through lb´s own experiences, as well as those of his wife, Rúna, and Joseph, the young boy met him at the farmhouse door that fateful night he came ashore.

I´ve visited the place where Ib rowed ashore in a rubber dinghy, it´s one of Iceland’s most barren and remote locations. I´ve followed lb´s daily life for almost ten years, at his residence in Pacifica, California, first together with Rúna and later alone after her death.

Directors: Helgi Felixson

Release: 2017 Duration: 52 min. Format: HD