Further Information

Trailer

The documentary - how did it all start?

I first heard about Hilmar and Rjómi on Facebook. Since I am a veterinarian and a dog trainer, this case caught my attention, but my first reaction was to brush it off as one of Iceland's Breed specific legislation cases. However, when I looked more closely at the list of banned breeds, it was clear that English Bull Terrier was not one of the banned breeds in Iceland. So why was this dog not allowed into the country? My curiosity was intrigued.

I finished Documentary filmmaking school in Denmark in 2015, around the same time I heard about Rjómi, the english bull terrier. So I started wondering if this case could be my first documentary. While diving into the case files, I became more dedicated to the project, because this story was so complex and interesting for all canine enthusiasts like myself. After my first meeting with Hilmar and Rjómi, in springtime 2016, there was no turning back, and now 2 years later we're getting ready for premiere.

About "Rjómi - documentary"

Rjómi is not the first dog affected by breed discrimination or breed specific legislation, and certainly not the last. But does breed specific legislation reduce the number of dog bites? Is it fair to judge dogs on the way they look or the type of breed they belong to?

These are a few of the questions raised in this documentary, and I search for answers by interviewing people like Jane Killian (dog trainer and author of "When pigs fly!") and Bill Lambert (KC Health & Breeder services manager) and Hanna María Arnórsdóttir (icelandic veterinarian). At the same time we follow the story of Hilmar and Rjómi and find out what happened to them.

I need your help

Breed discrimination is an important topic, already being discussed in groups of veterinarians and dog behaviourists. However we need to spread the discussion to a wider audience, and encourage authorities to base their legislation on facts and research. This documentary is one piece in this puzzle, and I need your help to spread the word. I also need financial support for post production and distribution of the film.

If you cannot make it to theatre in Iceland, you can pledge 25 EUR or more and receive a password protected link to the film. Your support is much appreciated.

The team behind the documentary

Freyja Kristinsdóttir finished vet school in Denmark in 2006, and has worked as a vet in Iceland and England. For the past couple of years however she has worked as a filmmaker. Freyja is the director, cinematographer and editor of the film.

Karl Örvarsson is a graphic designer and musician. Karl composes the music score for the film.

Gunnar Bjarki Gunnarsson is a cinematographer and owner of 23 advertising. Gunnar does cinematography for the film.

Ágúst Ævar Guðbjörnsson is one of the owners of 23 advertising. Ágúst does the motion graphics for the film.

All the team members are sincere animal lovers.

We are on Facebook

Follow the film production on the facebook page: Rjómi - bull terrier documentary.

www.rjomi.com