I find that human connections, in all their complexity, are at the heart of what drives me as a filmmaker.”
Gríma Irmudóttir (she/her)
MFA Candidate in Documentary Media
Gríma Irmudóttir is an MFA candidate in Documentary Media in the School of Communication. Her work explores personal stories that illuminate larger societal issues, often drawing on her Icelandic roots to explore connections between people and nature. Some of Gríma's accomplishments include directing and producing her first TV series, Heima, which aired in Iceland in 2022, and earning a Fulbright Fellowship.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
I tell stories through documentary films, focusing on personal experiences that reflect larger societal issues. I believe documentaries are a powerful way to open up conversations about challenging subjects, as they bring personal narratives to life while making broader political or cultural issues more relatable and impactful.
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
One of the most memorable twists in my career was when I decided to transition from photography to filmmaking. I initially focused on photography because I loved capturing moments and telling stories through images, but over time, I realized I wanted to explore a more dynamic way of storytelling. Filmmaking offered me the chance to dive deeper into narratives, blending visuals with sound, movement, and dialogue to create a richer experience. That shift opened up new creative possibilities and allowed me to explore more complex subjects and themes, ultimately leading me to where I am today as a documentary filmmaker.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
I’m deeply inspired by the ways individuals navigate their experiences, identities, and communities. I find that human connections, in all their complexity, are at the heart of what drives me as a filmmaker. I’m also inspired by nature. Growing up surrounded by Icelandic landscapes, I became interested in exploring the various relationships between individuals and nature. My work often explores this relationship—how nature shapes communities and how people, in turn, affect and protect the world around them.
What is a mistake you have learned from in your career?
Early in my career, I thought that documentary filmmaking had to be completely “objective” and “unbiased.” Over time, I learned that it’s impossible to make a film without inserting some of yourself into it. I now try to embrace that my position as a filmmaker—my background, identity, and privileges—will inevitably influence my work. Being aware of this makes me a more self-critical and thoughtful storyteller.
Whom do you admire in your field and otherwise, and why?
I admire filmmakers like Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir for her dedication to telling queer narratives and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Iceland. Her film, People Like That, was deeply impactful, as it captured both personal experiences and the broader history of civil rights struggles. I also admire people who approach their work with a balance of artistry and activism, using their platform to challenge societal norms and create space for underrepresented voices.
What do you find both rewarding and challenging about your research and/or work?
The most rewarding part of my work is the impact it can have on viewers. Seeing a personal story resonate with an audience and open up difficult conversations is incredibly fulfilling. The biggest challenge is often navigating the complex dynamics of telling other people’s stories responsibly, especially when those stories involve sensitive or politically charged topics.
Why Northwestern?
I chose Northwestern’s MFA program in Documentary Media because of its creative freedom and the opportunity to explore a wide range of documentary filmmaking approaches. The program allows me to experiment with different styles and techniques, from traditional forms to more experimental, hybrid documentaries. This creative flexibility is something I deeply value, as it gives me the space to push the boundaries of storytelling and discover new ways to approach subjects that matter to me. Additionally, I love that the program encourages taking courses across other departments, which allows me to bring interdisciplinary perspectives into my work.
How do you unwind after a long day?
After a long day, I love to unwind by taking baths, which help me relax and clear my mind. I'm also part of a sauna club in Evanston, where I alternate between the sauna and dips in the lake, even in the winter.
What books are on your bedside table?
Currently, I’m reading Trust by Hernan Diaz.
How would your closest friends describe you?
I would like to believe that my closest friends would describe me as someone who is kind and supportive, there when they need me, and up for adventures.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
Trust your instincts and embrace uncertainty. Always stay curious and open to learning, and don’t be afraid to put yourself into your work.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
Right now, I’m excited about two projects I’m currently editing. One is a project I filmed in Iceland this summer, which centers around the preservation of nature threatened by energy industries, intertwined with personal feelings of loss. The other is a project about a non-monogamous community in Chicago. Even though these projects are very different from each other, I’m equally excited about both because they allow me to explore vastly different yet meaningful topics through documentary storytelling.
Tell us about a time when things did not go as you planned, what did you learn?
In March 2020, as I was completing my BA thesis and preparing for the final interview round for an internship opportunity in London, the COVID-19 pandemic derailed my plans. The internship program was canceled, and I moved back to Iceland, feeling lost and unsure of my next steps. At that point, I didn't feel ready to apply for jobs, nor was I eager to continue my studies. After much consideration, I decided to enroll in the Journalism master's program at the University of Iceland, where I spent the rest of the year attending seminars and writing articles on various topics.
During the first semester, I transformed a simple video project about a business into a short documentary film about a private company in Iceland. The company later featured the film on its website and used it in a crowdfunding campaign. Additionally, I wrote an investigative piece that exposed an illegal pyramid scheme operating in Iceland. The head of the Journalism Department notified a reporter at Fréttablaðið, Iceland's most widely circulated newspaper, who decided to cover the scandal. I collaborated with him on the research and publication.
These unexpected opportunities taught me several valuable lessons. I learned to adapt and make the best of an uncertain situation. I also discovered that even when things don’t go according to plan, new opportunities can arise if you remain flexible and open-minded. Most importantly, these experiences gave me the confidence to recognize that I was ready to apply my skills professionally, which led me to leave journalism school and start a career in the film industry. Through this process, I learned the importance of trusting my abilities, even when plans fall apart.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
I’m most proud of the working connections I’ve established with my peers and fellow filmmakers. For me, the most important thing is finding people I love collaborating with and creating lasting connections. I’m also proud of the first TV series I directed, Heima, which aired on Icelandic TV in 2022. As both the director and producer, it was my first experience taking on a project with greater responsibility, and it showed me that I could tackle all the challenges that came up while creating a good working environment for my collaborators.
Publish Date: November 12, 2024
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