Under an Arctic Sky

2017 • 40 minutes

About this movie

The film follows six surfers along with adventure photographer Chris Burkard and filmmaker Ben Weiland as they seek out unknown swell in the remote fjords of Iceland's Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Chartering a boat, they depart from Isafjordur on the cusp of the largest storm to make landfall in twenty-five years. With the knowledge that storms bring legendary swell the crew are optimistic, but face failure when the storm forces them back to shore. Making the decision to carry the expedition on by road they experience the brutality of Iceland's winter and question whether the search is worth risking their lives. Despite setbacks the team pushes on and finds that uncertainty is the best ingredient for discovering the unimaginable.

Ratings and reviews

Chris Burkard and his crew did an amazing job showing unbelievably genuine natural beauty, flawless wave sets and perfect curls waiting for them in the frigid waters of the Arctic Circle in Iceland. The landscape and aurora borealis shots were amazing. I've never seen anything like that before, totally blew me away! So glad they finally got to surf the waves they were looking for! Outstanding job! Thanks guys! Now I want to see more! E.M. Winters - Hampton, VA

Incredible. Inspiring. Gave me chills when I saw it shown at the Genesis Cinema in London. Highly recommend to anyone who likes photography, surfing, adventure or simply has 40 minutes to spare. You won't be disappointed.

Unbelievable! Raw and authentic. Even if you don't have interest in photography, you will enjoy the story and visuals. The location, surf, cinematography is all super rad! Chris and the crew are very inspiring. Thanks for all the work put into making it happen.