THE HIGHER FORCE (STORA PLANID) Narrative Competition

On the heels of his stunning, critically acclaimed drama THE AMAZING TRUTH ABOUT QUEEN RAQUELA (2008), rising Icelandic filmmaker Olaf de Fleur Johannesson presents a quirky, hilarious, kindly comedy about a bumbling petty criminal who dreams of a better life as the true artist he really is. David spends his days as a mostly unsuccessful debt collector for a band of petty gangsters, and his nights writing poetry and pouring over a series of kung fu-inspired self-help videos he’s convinced will eventually lead him to his true destiny. Constantly derided by his idiotic boss, ignored by his unstable mother, and confused by his crazy girlfriend, David’s life seems at a standstill until he meets Harald Haraldsson, his new landlord. A retired teacher, Harald’s warmth and intelligence are a welcome reprieve, but when David begins to suspect that Harald is in fact an infamous crime lord in hiding, David’s worlds collide and he finds himself in an unfamiliar position of power An absolutely new brand of comedy, de Fleur’s film showcases the finely drawn eccentricities of his characters, pitch-perfect timing and a simple, genuine knack for storytelling. Brought to life by an ensemble cast of Icelandic familiars, and one notable American, THE HIGHER FORCE is an unforgettable, delightful romp through cultures and genres.