Thanks to Clara Zetkin, people worldwide have been celebrating International Women’s Day for 114 years. Yet, it remains just one day among 365—while in many countries, true gender equality is still far from reality. But 50 years ago, in Iceland’s small yet remarkable nation, empowered women demonstrated what happens when they collectively withdraw from daily life. The result: The Day Iceland Stood Still.
This is also the title of the powerful film by Pamela Hogan and Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir. The latter not only wrote the screenplay but also played a key role as the film’s producer.
We had the privilege of meeting this remarkable filmmaker at the Icelandic Embassy in Berlin. Together with Iceland’s Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Auðunn Atlason, we discussed modern feminism, Iceland, and the film The Day Iceland Stood Still.
But why did Iceland come to a standstill?
On October 24, 1975, Icelandic women had had enough. They earned only about 60% of their male colleagues’ wages, domestic and care work was largely unrecognized, and true gender equality was nowhere in sight. So nearly all the women of the country united in a
massive strike, now known as Kvennafrídagurinn (Women’s Day Off), a defining moment in Icelandic history. On that day, 90% of Icelandic women put down their work—both paid and unpaid—to demand an end to systemic discrimination.
The impact was immense: Public life ground to a halt. Offices, schools, shops, and factories struggled to function without women. Many men suddenly found themselves responsible for childcare and household duties—an eye-opening experience that shed light on the value of unpaid women’s labor.
This strike marked a turning point in the fight for gender equality in Iceland. Just five years later, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir became the world’s first democratically elected female president—a groundbreaking achievement for women in politics. To this day, October 24 is commemorated in Iceland as a national day of gender equality.
THE MOVIE
The Day Iceland Stood Still gives a voice to the women who organized and participated in the strike, allowing them to share their experiences once more. Their stories, brought to life with striking and deeply emotional visuals, resonate on a profound level. After all, at the core, we all seek fairness, dignity, and recognition for our work and sacrifices.
Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir and Pamela Hogan masterfully bring this powerful subject to the screen with remarkable lightness, avoiding didacticism while celebrating resilience and solidarity.
More than just a historical account, this film serves as a source of inspiration, reminding us that a fairer world is possible if we stand together. The Day Iceland Stood Still is a tribute to courage, unity, and the power of change. For its compelling message, outstanding execution, and breathtaking cinematography, this film earns a well-deserved 10 out of 10. Now playing in theaters—an absolute must-watch!
Text: Marco Kokkot Images: © Rise and Shine Cinema
