‘Vigdís’ Co-Scribes on Staying True to Iceland’s Iconic Former President While Killing Their Darlings
One of five TV shows battling for Göteborg’s coveted Nordic Series Script Award, Iceland’s four-parter “Vigdís,” brings to global screens the inspiring true story of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir who made history in 1980, not only as the small Nordic nation’s first female president but also as the world’s first democratically elected female head of state.
Under the pen of producer-turned writer Ágústa M. Ólafsdóttir and Björg Magnúsdóttir (“The Minister”), the series focuses on Vigdís’ formative years from a teenager in the late 1940s, her studies in France and experience as head of the Reykjavík Theatre Company up until her election in 1980
Remarkably played by Elín Hall (“When the Light Breaks”) as the young Icelandic politician in the making and the seasoned Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir (“Blackport,” “Trapped”), “Vigdís turned into one of Iceland’s most successful local TV series ever when it aired early 2025 on RÚV, due to Finnbogadóttir’s inspirational journey for generations of Icelanders and for women around the world.
Helmed by Björn Hlynur Haraldsson (King Eisin in “The Witcher”) and Tinna Hrafnsdóttir (“Descendants,” “Reykjavik 112”) for Vesturport (a Series Mania top prize winner with “Blackport”), the biopic, co-created by producer Rakel Garðarsdóttir and Ólafsdóttir, was sold by Reinvent Yellow to GSN Networks for the U.S. and Canada, Viaplay for Eastern Europe and Err Estonia.
Ólafsdóttir and Magnúsdóttir spoke to Variety ahead of Göteborg’s TV Drama Vision, unspooling Jan 27-28.
First of all, what is your own personal memory of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir as head of state and for you, what does she stand for?
Ágústa M. Ólafsdóttir: In 1980, my mother took my brother and me to join the crowd outside Vigdís’ home to celebrate her election. Although I was only three, the event’s significance remained with me. When I was a bit older my mum helped me appreciate the contributions women had made in the past, and to understand just how important Vigdís’ election was. To me, Vigdís stands for courage, open-mindedness, hope and resilience. She has always been a remarkable source of inspiration and an admirable role model.
Björg Magnúsdóttir: Through my childhood Vigdís was the head of state in Iceland so I met her on numerous occasions. I just remember the overall feeling of being proud of this awesome woman who I later on realised is the biggest role model of my generation – both girls and boys. In my mind she stands for the future, equality and growth. Quality. We need more of all that today.
At what point of the development process did you both come on board and how did you split the writing?
Ólafsdóttir: Rakel [Garðarsdóttir] and I were working together when she got the idea, so she pitched it to me very soon and I instantly knew we had to do it. As producers, we began to develop the concept initially as a feature film but later determined that a mini-series would provide the necessary scope to fully convey Vigdís’ story. Rakel encouraged me to be a part of the writer’s team, and I knew this was the ideal project to realise my passion for screenwriting. When Björg agreed to collaborate, I felt confident that together we could tell this extraordinary story.
We dedicated significant time to research and script development, collaboratively drafting the initial versions. Later in the process we also assigned episode sections and wrote independently before reconvening to integrate our work and evaluate our progress. We received valuable feedback from Rakel, Nína, the lead actress, and Björn Hlynur, one of the directors, which contributed to improving the overall quality of the scripts. In the development process, we also had another writer with us, Jana María Guðmundsdóttir, who participated in the treatment and writing of the first episode.
Magnúsdóttir: We did the research together and wrote all episodes together.
Was it clear from the inception that the focus would be on Vigdís’ journey before she became president?
Ólafsdóttir: While many know her as President Vigdís, few are familiar with her earlier life. There’s a common misconception that accomplished people have always had their lives figured out or planned from an early age, but Vigdís’ story proves otherwise. At 30, she was recently divorced, without children, lacking a university degree, and living back with her parents, definitely a low-point. But instead of giving up, she finished her degree, took on several jobs, and rebuilt her life. Even while facing deep insecurities, she persevered and ultimately succeeded.
Magnúsdóttir: Yes it was always the idea to tell the story of how this person became the first female elected president in the world. And for me, a way bigger question than how did the presidency go, since I feel like everybody knows she was awesome there. But fewer people know how it happened.
Getting approval from Vigdís was of course quintessential. How was your first encounter with her, and interaction with her through the development and writing process
Ólafsdóttir: Rakel and Nína had developed a close friendship with Vigdís, and one day they invited me to join them for lunch with her. I felt a bit like a schoolgirl again on the way to the meeting – so excited! She was humble, funny and very welcoming so it was easy to relax in her company. Later, Björg and I visited her home for an interview, where she welcomed our detailed questions about topics that fascinated us. She also visited the set, lent us her clothes and was exceptionally generous with her time and encouragement.
Magnúsdóttir: I remember going to her house so freaking nervous and feeling so small! But Vigdís has this unique talent of lifting up the people around her and I feel the same thing happened with us writers as it happened with the nation when she was elected. Vigdís sees everyone in the room, wherever she is and makes us feel appreciated and very important. When we left the house, after long session of questions I remember feeling so good about myself and positive about everything.
Tell us about the research phase, the key persons and archive material that helped you flesh out the characters and storyline?
Ólafsdóttir: Páll Valsson’s biography of Vigdís was an invaluable resource that guided us in selecting key moments from her life. We also conducted interviews with her close friends, family and colleagues. Our research included reviewing all available news articles about her, as well as examining radio shows and TV footage. To better understand the eras depicted in the story, we explored additional biographies and articles and listened to period-specific radio programs. We dedicated significant time to conducting in-depth research, as well as carefully crafting the treatment. We wanted the script to capture Vigdís’ unique personality and deliver the story in a manner she deserves.
Magnúsdóttir: We read everything on the web about Vigdís, biographies of people during the time in focus, we read and re-read Vigdís’s biography and interviewed people close to her. Vigdís was also generous and answered almost every question we had. When we had as many answers about Vigdís’ life as we could, we started writing and killing our darlings.
How was your collaboration with Rakel, Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir, Elín Hall, and co-directors Björn Hlynur Haraldsson and Tinna Hrafnsdóttir?
Ólafsdóttir: Rakel, Nína and Björn Hlynur were involved from the outset, providing valuable feedback on all drafts. Their contributions were instrumental in refining the final script. Once the script was greenlit, Björg transitioned to her next significant commitment – welcoming her first child.
I became the showrunner for the series and kept improving the script at every stage. Tinna joined the team when pre-production began and made significant contributions to both the group and the project itself. Throughout production, I collaborated closely with Björn Hlynur, Tinna and the artistic team to ensure the script was aligned with their creative vision while accommodating our limited budget.
Nína and Elín delivered outstanding performances as Vigdís across different eras. Their commitment, diligence, and outstanding talent significantly enhanced the narrative. Their sensitive and accurate interpretations added depth and authenticity to the script. I’d like to highlight our cinematographer, Eli Arenson and department heads-Heimir Sverrisson (art), Helga Stefánsdóttir (costumes), and Joséphine Hoy (hair & make-up) who demonstrated exceptional skill in their respective areas.
What were the biggest challenges? Adapting to the financing? Squeezing nearly a decade in each of four episodes and sticking to the running time? Distancing yourself from documentary narration to create a true fictition piece while making sure you would stay as respectful as possible to Vigdís?
Ólafsdóttir: A good question and ‘yes’ to everything mentioned. Although we had a tight budget, the shooting script is ambitious, encompassing four decades and a broad cast of characters.
The toughest part was crafting a script that was historically accurate and reflected Vigdís’ personality, while also being engaging and well-paced. We tried to highlight Vigdís’ complexities and personal struggles while staying true to her open-minded nature and respectful attitude towards others. With other characters, we allowed ourselves more creative freedom, for instance, by combining several of Vigdís’ friends into the character Magga.
Magnúsdóttir: Definitely staying respectful to Vigdís and her story but at the same time telling an interesting story… not an easy task at all moments but we discussed it endlessly and were proud with the result. Killing your darlings is also difficult but necessary in that field.
How did you make sure the show would be attractive to all-including the younger generation, and to a wider international audience, not so familiar with Vigdís’ story?
Ólafsdóttir: The series is not about a president or politics, but a girl who wants to have the same freedom and opportunities men have. It doesn’t matter if viewers know Vigdís or not. Her hope for a better future is universal, connecting with people of all ages.
Magnúsdóttir: In my mind Vigdís’ story has a classical grand theme: an underdog against all odds, who faces many different challenges and difficult people and situations, and still ends up changing the world. It’s absolutely timeless.
The series was a huge success in Iceland. You must have been so pleased. How did Vigdís react to the series?
Ólafsdóttir: We were incredibly grateful with the series’ success in Iceland. We learned that families – often spanning three generations – would gather every Sunday to watch the episodes together. Afterwards, younger viewers would ask questions, giving older relatives a chance to share stories from the past. Vigdís was once again uniting people, much as she had during her time as president.
It was obviously quite nerve racking to hear what Vigdís, her family and close friends thought about the series, but their feedback was highly positive. Vigdís’ approval was especially significant and greatly valued by our team.
Besides her iconic status at home, Vigdís’ also had strong role on the global political stage. She oversaw, for example, the Reykjavik summit of 1986, credited for improving relations between the superpowers and contributing to the end of the Cold War. In other words, there’s plenty of crunchy material for more fiction. Is a second season on the cards?
Ólafsdóttir: Vigdís’ presidency had a great impact, and during her 16 years in office she earned widespread respect from both international leaders and her own nation. After her presidency, she was appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for languages, where she continued her commitment to education, and later served as a member of the high-level panel on peace and dialogue among cultures. There’s certainly plenty of inspiration for more stories! Time will tell if we’ll share her next chapter someday.
What’s next for you?
Ólafsdóttir: I am currently collaborating with Rakel on the production of two feature films, each exceptionally written, one by Björn Hlynur and the other by Sjón.
Magnúsdóttir: I’m running for the City Council in Reykjavík using Vigdís as my ultimate role model, practicing courage just like she did!
