AGP Executive Report

Iceland Travel & Culture: Skáld Akureyri, Curio Collection by Hilton, has opened in Akureyri, built around Iceland’s literary heritage with 71 rooms and 15 serviced apartments overlooking Eyjafjörður. Music Spotlight: Icelandic rock band KALEO marks a decade since its breakthrough debut, with “A/B” later exploding globally and racking up major certifications. Film Buzz (Nolan): Matt Damon says he “felt like a jerk” during The Odyssey shoot after a wardrobe blunder on a Greece hike; the epic is partly filmed across Iceland and more. EU/Local Life: EastEnders star Tracy-Ann Oberman was stranded at an airport over the EU 10-year passport rule, a reminder of how travel rules can hit hard. Sports Pop Culture: Norway’s viral “Viking Row” continues to divide fans—one supporter refuses to row, calling it a copy of Iceland’s Thunderclap and “factually wrong.” Entertainment Reboot: Warner Bros and AGBO are developing a Free Willy reboot, raising big questions about how to film Willy now. Arts Community: A women-only art show, “Accidental Metamorphosis,” features 15 artists and includes work made while traveling in Iceland and Greenland.

Odyssey on the big screen: Matt Damon says an awkward first-day blunder on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey left him “like a jerk,” after he spotted wardrobe handler Corey climbing with his armour while the actors had already worn theirs. Iceland spotlight: The film’s production includes Iceland, and Nolan is pitching it as a massive, practical-effects adventure opening July 17. World Cup culture, Iceland-adjacent: Norway’s viral “Viking Row” celebration is under fire—one fan insists it’s “stupid” and “factually wrong,” while others argue it was “raided” from Sweden. Travel & passports: EastEnders star Tracy-Ann Oberman was stranded after Ryanair refused her due to the EU 10-year passport rule. Eclipse planning: Last-minute trips are still being booked for the August total solar eclipse path that includes Iceland. Local arts/tech: Reykjavík Grapevine launches “Icebreaker,” a new app for navigating the city and beyond. Health access: Iceland’s physiotherapists warn planned consultation fees from Sept. 1 could sharply raise costs for patients.

Big Screen Iceland Connection: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is getting major buzz ahead of its July 17 release, with the director and cast stressing the “hard job” of making it feel real—shot across six countries including Iceland, using practical effects and real ships. Reboot Watch: Warner Bros. is developing a “Free Willy” reboot with AGBO and Russo brothers’ team, raising the big question of how to recreate Willy now that modern filmmaking leans on CGI/realistic alternatives. Gaming & Pop Culture: “Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV” drops a multiplayer-focused trailer, spotlighting factions like Space Marines, Necrons, Orks and Adeptus Mechanicus. Music Scene: Iceland-linked coverage highlights “Music at Paxton” and medieval-instrument performances, including a chant program said to be heard for nearly a millennium. Local Life, Real Costs: Iceland’s physiotherapists association criticises planned consultation fees from 1 September, warning long-term patients could face steep annual increases. Politics & Style Spotlight: Iceland PM Kristrún Frostadóttir draws international attention after NATO summit appearances, with social media focusing on her presence and confidence. Travel Meets Entertainment: “set jetting” is heating up as viewers chase “The Odyssey” locations, with Iceland among the featured stops. Industry/Arts Funding Pipeline: Young Horizons Industry and Locarno both unveil selections, with Iceland included in young-audience co-productions and European festival line-ups.

Film Buzz: Christopher Nolan is talking up “The Odyssey” as his biggest, most practical, real-world epic yet—shot across Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Scotland and the U.S., and set to open July 17 with IMAX-only filming. Cast & Set Stories: Matt Damon calls it the hardest film he’s ever done, while Zendaya says she froze on her first day in Iceland and couldn’t get her lines out. Industry Watch: Locarno’s 79th competition lineup is out, with 233 films and 103 world premieres, including new work from Basil da Cunha and Ann Oren. Kids Screen Slate: Young Horizons Industry has revealed 21 selected projects for its Warsaw forum, with Iceland among the participating countries. Local Angle: Icelandirect (U.S. supplement manufacturer) announces SSCI certification after an SGS audit, aiming to strengthen access to major retail channels. New Hotel in North Iceland: Hilton’s Curio Collection opens Skáld Akureyri, a storytelling-themed property built around Icelandic poetry. Entertainment Culture: A new Warner Bros. “Free Willy” reboot is in development, with AGBO and Russo brothers producing.

Film Spotlight: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is getting major buzz, with Matt Damon calling it the hardest role of his career and praising the practical, in-camera approach shot across six countries including Iceland. On-Set Iceland Story: Zendaya says her first day filming in Iceland was so brutally cold her mouth “wouldn’t move,” leaving her unable to deliver lines—an embarrassing start that fans will love hearing about. Local Travel & Culture: Hilton’s new Skáld Akureyri in northern Iceland opens as a literary tourism stop, blending Icelandic storytelling, Nordic design, and a design-led stay in Akureyri. Tech & Media (Iceland-linked): GoPro has been named a “Major Player” in an IDC MarketScape report, adding to the brand’s momentum with creators. Sports (Iceland tie-in): Ascent Soccer’s youth teams are heading to Sweden and Iceland for tournaments, backed by a major Nico Group sponsorship.

The Odyssey buzz (Iceland tie-in): Zendaya says her first day filming Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in Iceland was so cold her mouth “would not move,” while Robert Pattinson compares his role to “Jacob in Twilight,” and Matt Damon calls the production his hardest role—shot across multiple countries including Iceland. Film-festival calendar: A roundup highlights ten must-see European indie festivals, including Karlovy Vary (July 3–11) and Locarno (Aug 5–15). Local arts community: Junction Dance Festival returns with free workshops for all ages, aiming to fill a local gap after dance studios closed in recent years. Sport spotlight: BMX teen Gracie “the Viking” Johannsson heads to the world championships in Brisbane for her third shot. Food & media rules: UK regulators banned an M&M’s ad for promoting less-healthy food via a character tied to specific products. Travel/tech for families: Newcastle Airport joins a UK move lowering eGate access to kids aged eight and up. World news with an Arctic angle: Denmark’s PM reiterates Greenland is “not for sale” as NATO summit tensions flare.

Big-Screen Buzz: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is getting near-universal praise after its London premiere, with fans and critics spotlighting its practical, real-world scale and the fact it was shot entirely with IMAX cameras across multiple countries including Iceland. On-Set Iceland Stories: Zendaya says her first day filming in Iceland was “particularly cold,” with her mouth literally frozen so she couldn’t speak her lines—an awkward start that she later described as worth it once she locked in. Star Prep & Transformation: Matt Damon calls the role of Odysseus the toughest of his career and credits a strict lifestyle overhaul for dropping about 30 pounds for the part. Iceland in the Spotlight (NATO): Iceland’s foreign minister backs NATO’s growing Arctic focus but warns the alliance can’t lose sight of Ukraine. Arts & Culture Loss: Icelandic music icon Megas has died at 81, remembered for spanning music, writing, and visual art. Community Events: Salmon Arm’s Roots and Blues festival is gearing up for a “magical” weekend with Icelandic indie-folk band Of Monsters and Men and headliners including Blue Rodeo.

Iceland Arts & Culture: Iceland music icon Megas (Magnús Þór Jónsson) has died at 81, leaving behind a huge legacy across songs, books and visual art. Film & TV (Iceland connection): Zendaya says her first day filming Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in Iceland was so cold her mouth “would not move,” turning her lines into “Blah blah blah”—but she called the experience a gift. Premieres & buzz: The Odyssey premiered in London with early reactions described as overwhelmingly positive, and photos show the star-studded cast on the red carpet. Local Politics & Media Literacy: Ahead of Iceland’s EU accession referendum, new public websites aim to help voters spot online manipulation, including AI and deepfakes, while the electoral commission provides neutral ballot info. Sports (World Cup): African football’s World Cup surge is in the spotlight, with Cabo Verde’s breakthrough run and Morocco/Egypt’s continued charge driving pride across the continent and diaspora. Travel (Faroe Islands): Atlantic Airways will launch a nonstop Milan–Vágar route in summer 2027, making the Faroe Islands easier for Italian visitors to reach.

Big Screen Buzz: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” premiered in London to near-universal praise ahead of its July 17 release, with Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland leading an all-star cast. On-Set Iceland Story: Zendaya, playing Athena, revealed her first day filming in Iceland was so cold her mouth “would not move,” turning lines into “blah blah blah” — but Nolan later called her “perfect.” Nordic Arts & Travel: Hurtigruten returns as naming partner of the 2026 Nordic Film Festival, bringing Nordic cinema (including Icelandic drama) to Palace cinemas across Australia through August. Music Live: Dublin metal-trad band The Scratch landed their biggest-ever headline show in Iveagh Gardens, packing in thousands for “Pull Like a Dog” and fan favourites. Sports Culture: Africa’s record World Cup run is already electrifying the continent and diaspora, with Cabo Verde’s fairy-tale journey and Morocco/Egypt’s late-stage momentum in focus. Local Spotlight (Iceland-linked): The Port of Reykjavik is among the 11 nominees for the ESPO Award 2026, highlighting dual-use port-city projects.

Big Screen Buzz: Zendaya says her first day filming Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in Iceland left her “mouth…frozen,” so her lines wouldn’t come out—though Nolan insists she was “always perfect.” Film Industry: The Venice Gap-Financing Market has selected 66 projects (fiction, documentary, and immersive) for final financing talks at the 83rd Venice Film Festival. Nordic Cinema: Hurtigruten returns as naming partner of the 2026 Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival in Australia, with Icelandic drama and more across July–August. Local Culture: Chester City Baths’ historic Victorian Pacific Pool is set to reopen in autumn 2026 after fundraising and an Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation donation. Community Arts: Hátíðni returns to Borðeyri for a grassroots, all-ages music festival built on a D.I.T. ethos. Iceland Spotlight: Excavations at Stöð in East Iceland found a sunken structure showing human activity before permanent settlement began around 870.

Premiere Buzz: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” hits London’s world premiere with a star-studded cast (Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, plus Zendaya, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong’o). The epic lands in theaters July 17, with IMAX-scale visuals and a trailer that’s already sparked major online debate. Music & Eurovision: Canada is officially joining Eurovision for 2027 after becoming a full EBU member, with details on the act still to come—big news for fans who want more global variety on the Eurovision stage. Iceland Arts & Community: Reykjavík’s libraries are getting a spotlight for their creative services, including recording studios—one in Grófarhús and a fully equipped setup in Úlfarsárdalur with a technician on set days. Tech & Travel Culture: Netflix’s “Trip-to-Korea” push is being backed by a new Yonsei-led survey mapping how OTT viewing turns into real travel intent. Local Festival Scene: Hátíðni returns to Borðeyri with a grassroots, all-ages vibe—more than 300 people taking over a tiny town for music and DIY community energy.

World Cup Fan Culture: Norway’s “Mr Row Row” Ole Frøystad is behind the viral Viking-row chant that’s turned matches into a synchronized spectacle, with the team’s last-16 run boosting the trend far beyond stadiums. Eurovision News: Canada is officially set to join Eurovision in 2027, with the CBC moving into the EBU fold—meaning a bigger North American spotlight for the contest. Film Buzz: Social media is still buzzing over Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey trailer, with fans split over its modern tone, casting, and costume choices. DC Spotlight: Jason Momoa jokes that people “just like watching me drink beer,” tying his Aquaman and Lobo debuts together in Supergirl chatter. Iceland Arts & Community: Reykjavík’s libraries are getting attention for real recording studios—Úlfarsárdalur in particular offers a technician and gear for music and podcast work. Nordic Music: Iceland’s Spacestation is back with Who Killed Spacestation?, framing the new album as a “rebirth” after its earlier underground-to-mainstream breakthrough.

Local Arts & Media: Reykjavík libraries are getting a creative upgrade: Grófarhús and Úlfarsárdalur now offer real recording studios, with Úlfarsárdalur staffed by a technician and stocked with instruments for chill, community-made music and podcasts. Film & Pop Culture: Robert Eggers’ Viking revenge epic The Northman is now streaming on Netflix (with ads) in the US and UK, while rental/purchase options sit on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home. Music Spotlight: Icelandic band Spacestation is teasing a darker, more unified sophomore era with Who Killed Spacestation? and a September release. International Entertainment: Eurovision director Martin Green says there won’t be another Israel participation vote, after membership backed Kan. Travel for Culture: A new Iceland travel app, Icebreaker, launches for iPhone with Reykjavík-first guidance, safety info, and local recommendations. Sports-to-Story: Cabo Verde’s World Cup run is being framed as a belief-over-population fairytale, with Iceland name-checked in the comparison.

Iceland Travel Tech: A new free Icelandic travel app, Icebreaker, launches on iPhone to help visitors plan trips, find local recommendations, and avoid common hazards—starting with Reykjavík and expanding nationwide, built by Tourist Trapp with illustrator Hugleikur Dagsson and Hatari drummer Einar Hrafn Stefánsson. Iceland Music & Live: KALEO’s Way Down We Go Tour (celebrating 10 years of A/B) announces UK and European dates, with tickets going on sale at 10am local time today. Film Spotlight: Iceland’s creative scene gets a global nod as Ragnar Kjartansson’s work and the Icelandic film world continue to draw attention, while international screens lean into big-name storytelling like Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Local Arts Events: Þingvellir’s KALEO day is praised for pulling off a rare “no drama” summer concert moment, and the Dietrich Theater’s Summer Film Festival gears up with a 20-film lineup running July 17–Aug. 6. Whaling & Activism: Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson’s Bandero vessel sparks fresh tension in Icelandic waters, adding another twist to the ongoing whaling saga.

World Cup Drama (Round of 32): Cape Verde’s debut run ends in the last-16 after a 3-2 loss to Argentina, with TV montages spotlighting Vozinha’s saves and Sidny Lopes Cabral’s wonder goal—Thierry Henry says the real lesson is belief, not population. England Pressure: The FA has already decided whether Thomas Tuchel stays or goes if England lose to Mexico, after a shaky escape vs DR Congo and a looming altitude test at the Azteca. Iceland Arts & Culture: Hildur Guðnadóttir is juggling major theatre and screen projects, while Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson talks authenticity, theatre roots, and video art ahead of new work. Music in Iceland: KALEO’s Way Down We Go tour dates for the UK and Europe go on sale today, celebrating the 10th anniversary of A/B. Film & Festivals: CineCoPro Conference at Munich International Film Festival spotlights Nordic co-productions, and Iceland-linked Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival is giving away double passes. Local Spotlight: Independence Party hits its strongest Gallup support since 2020, narrowing the gap with the governing Social Democrats.

Icelandic Arts Spotlight: Ragnar Kjartansson’s new work “Mercy” lands at the NGV, with the Icelandic artist’s boundary-pushing mix of theatre, video and music still driving the conversation. Film & TV Buzz: “Supergirl” gets a review for leaning into a messier, more human take on the hero, while Venice’s Gap-Financing Market reveals 66 late-stage projects, including films by Ursula Meier, Lav Diaz and Jessica Hausner. Music on the Move: KALEO announces the UK and Europe leg of its “Way Down We Go” tour (A/B 10th anniversary) with tickets going on sale today. Local Culture & Outdoors: Þingvellir hosts a KALEO-led national-style celebration, and the Dietrich Summer Film Festival kicks off July 17–Aug. 6 with 20 independent and art films. World Stage (for entertainment fans): Canada is confirmed for Eurovision 2027, and the World Cup Round of 32 wraps today with free viewing options highlighted.