An intelligent, satisfying, comedic crowd-pleaser, Woman at War takes on pressing global concerns with humor and aplomb. Halla is a much-beloved, middle-aged Reykjavik choir conductor who has a secret life as an eco-warrior, fighting to save the Icelandic countryside from industrial pollution one noxious electrical pylon at a time. To this end, she’s also a master of disguise and a deft hand with a crossbow. When Halla learns that she’s finally been cleared to adopt a Ukrainian orphan, she can’t help but wonder what would be more fulfilling: motherhood, or making sure the Icelandic Highlands remain pristine for all to enjoy. Casting performers with pitch-perfect comic timing (including comedian Jón Gnarr, the former Reykjavik mayor), writer/director Benedikt Erlingsson (Of Horses and Men, PSIFF 2014) also makes audacious use of an Icelandic oompah band and a Ukrainian vocal trio to add levity and commentary on the action. As an eco-warrior himself, Erlingsson also made sure that Woman at War was a green production.

In competition for the FIPRESCI Award.