Icelandic Film Centre
Íslenska

The Lake Between the Continents

Thingvellir actually means “Parliament Grounds”. But extensive scientific research has shown that the Thingvellir area is one of the wonders of the world and is indeed unique. The American plate and the European plate separate exactly at Thingvellir so the area and Lake Thingvallavatn are positioned between two continents. This is shown in detailed video graphic as well as in extensive aerial and close-up shots of the area. At Thingvellir we are standing on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – we can see the ground split, Thingvellir sink and Lake Thingvallavatn grow. In flora and fauna – here is the meeting place of the East and the West. Lake Thingvallavatn is a very young – no more than 10,000 years old. However, four varieties af Arctic Char have evolved in it, and that is a world wonder. The lake is extremely clear which makes the underwater pictures of the Arctic char in their natural habitat very real. Here is the Great Northern Diver, whose range strecthes from the Rocky Mountains all the way east to Iceland but no further than that.

Crew

About the film

  • Type
    Documentary
  • Length
    55 min.
  • Language
    Icelandic, English
  • Original Title
    Þingvallavatn á mörkum austurs og vesturs
  • International Title
    The Lake Between the Continents
  • Production Year
    2000
  • Production Countries
    Iceland
  • Icelandic Film Centre Grant
    No
  • Color
    Yes

Company Credits

Festivals

  • 2000
    First Scandinavian Film Festival

Television distribution

  • Iceland
    RÚV, 1999
  • Iceland
    RÚV, 2000
  • Iceland
    RÚV, 2004