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The Day Iceland Stood Still

Pamela Hogan, Iceland, USA 2024, 71 Min., English, Icelandic with English subtitles

The Day Iceland Stood Still is a vibrant yet deeply impactful documentary that takes us behind the scenes of the remarkable events, strategies, and sheer chance that led to one of the most significant moments in the fight for gender equality—the day in 1975 when 90% of Icelandic women went on strike.

In the 1970s, Iceland, like much of the world, upheld rigid gender roles. Women were expected to manage households and childcare, earned significantly less than men, and were excluded from key sectors like agriculture. Inspired by the global red-stocking movement, they decided to take a stand. On October 24, 1975, nearly all Icelandic women walked off their jobs and left their domestic duties, bringing the country to a standstill.

Through a compelling mix of archival footage, personal stories, and firsthand accounts, Pamela Hogan offers a deeper look at the impact of that groundbreaking day and how it reshaped Icelandic society and gender equality in the workplace. (BH)