New York Film Academy Acting for Film alumnus Atli Oskar Fjalarsson, an Icelandic native, starred as “Ari” in the feature film, “Sparrows,” which is Iceland’s submission for the 89th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
The film, directed by Rúnar Rúnarsson, was very well received at film festivals, earning 20 international film awards. Most notable were its screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival and the San Sebastian Film Festival, where it was awarded the Golden Shell.
“Sparrows” is a dramatic coming-of-age story about the 16-year-old boy Ari, who has been living with his mother in Reykjavik and is suddenly sent back to the remote Westfjords to live with his father Gunnar. While living in the small town, he must navigate difficult relationships with his father as well as his childhood friends, who have changed their ways.
“’Sparrows’ is a very delicate, anthropic coming-of-age story,” says Fjalarsson. “Ari is an innocent choir boy from the city. His life is turned upside down when he’s forced to leave his home and move to his father that he barely knows, in a place that he left behind a long time ago. It’s hard for him to find footing in this new environment where no one seems to understand or relate to him.”
Through a series of events, Ari is forced to grow up fast and make decisions that will shape his character forever.
Fjalarsson hopes the film will take people on a journey and show them a glimpse of a world that is unknown to them while still remaining completely relatable.
Fjalarsson is currently signed on for two features that are in development.
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