Kvikmynd

Kvikmynd is the Icelandic term for a motion picture, or film. The word combines kvik, meaning moving, with mynd, image, and is the standard word used in Icelandic to refer to films, cinema, and the film industry. It can denote a single work, such as a feature or short film, as well as the broader medium and art form. More specialized terms exist for particular genres or formats, such as heimildamynd for a documentary and stutt kvikmynd for a short film.

History and usage: Cinema reached Iceland in the early 20th century, and the language of film expanded as production grew. The contemporary Icelandic kvikmynd sector has benefited from public funding, training programs, and national promotion. The Icelandic Film Centre coordinates funding, development, distribution, and international collaboration. Icelandic films have screened at major international festivals and at local venues, including the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF).

Industry and impact: The Icelandic film scene includes feature films, documentaries, and television productions that reflect Icelandic culture, society, and landscapes. Notable filmmakers such as Friðrik Þór Friðriksson and Baltasar Kormákur have received international attention, contributing to the global visibility of Icelandic cinema. The term kvikmynd remains central to discussions of film production, exhibition, and criticism in Iceland, serving as a neutral, widely understood reference to the moving-image medium.