Icelandic President's Rise: A True Story

The Nordic Film Market in Göteborg is set to feature "Vigdís," a four-part Icelandic series detailing the remarkable life of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. The series recounts her historic 1980 election as Iceland's first female president, a groundbreaking achievement making her the world's first democratically elected female head of state.

Written by Ágústa M. Ólafsdóttir and Björg Magnúsdóttir, the series delves into Finnbogadóttir's life from her teenage years in the late 1940s through her studies in France and leadership of the Reykjavík Theatre Company, culminating in her historic election.

Elín Hall and Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir portray Finnbogadóttir at different stages of her life. The series, which aired early 2025 on RÚV, became one of Iceland's most successful local TV shows, resonating with audiences for its inspirational narrative.

Producers Ólafsdóttir and Rakel Garðarsdóttir initially considered a feature film but opted for a series to fully explore Finnbogadóttir's extensive life story. Research involved extensive interviews with friends and family, reviewing biographies, and examining archival news and media footage.

The writing team collaborated closely with directors Björn Hlynur Haraldsson and Tinna Hrafnsdóttir, as well as actresses Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir and Elín Hall, to ensure historical accuracy and capture Finnbogadóttir's essence respectfully.

Challenges included balancing historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling and managing a tight budget while covering four decades of life. The script creatively combined some of Finnbogadóttir's acquaintances into supporting characters to streamline the narrative.

The series' success in Iceland, with families watching together, highlights its broad appeal. Finnbogadóttir herself provided positive feedback, emphasizing the story's universal themes of courage and aspiration, which resonate globally beyond her political achievements.