grandma lofi sm

Grandma Lo-Fi: The Basement Tapes of Sigrifour Nielsdottir

(Amma Lo-Fi)

Year 2011
Runtime 61 mins
Language Icelandic, Danish
Subtitles English

Iceland's Sigríður Níelsdóttir discovered her calling late in life, but the delayed start hasn't slowed her down. Níelsdóttir began writing and recording her homemade music at 70. Within seven years, she released a staggering 59 albums and nearly 700 songs, integrating amateur sound effects, repurposed household items and even her pets. That tireless creativity has made her a revelation to Iceland's indie music scene.

Directed by a trio of dedicated fans, Grandma Lo-Fi takes inspiration from Níelsdóttir's handmade aesthetic. Shot on Super-8 and 16 mm film and featuring appearances by Múm, Mugison and more, the film uses animation, stop-motion and interview footage to bring Níelsdóttir's rich inner world to the screen. Vivid, vibrant and bristling with originality, it's a perfect tribute to an artist who proves that it's never too late to follow your dreams.

Preceded by shorts:

A Brief History of John Baldessari

Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, USA, 2012, 6 minutes

The directors of the controversial documentary Catfish re-team to talk about the life of artist John Baldessari, with narration by the one and only Tom Waits.

Unwieldy Beast

Directed by Brandon Loper, USA, 2011

When Gary Frank Skaggs found an old piano, he decided to find a novel way to play his music on the streets of San Francisco.

Countries

Denmark Iceland
Festivals
SXSW 2012
Director
Ingibjorg Birgisdottir, Orri Jonsson, Kristin Bjork Kristjansdottir
Producer
Louise H. Johansen, Saemundur Nordfjord
Screenwriter
Kristin Bjork Kristjansdottir
Cinematographer
Magnus Helgason, Orri Jonsson, Kristin Bjork Kristjansdottir
Editor
Ingibjorg Birgisdottir, Orri Jonsson
Music
Sigridur Nielsdottir
Cast
Sigridur Nielsdottir