Olaf de Fleur, a celebrated and accomplished filmmaker, initiated his academic odyssey by enrolling in a comprehensive program of study in the fascinating field of physics, with Reykjavik serving as the picturesque backdrop for his intellectual pursuits, ultimately resulting in his graduation in the year 1995.
Olaf, a seasoned professional with a background in television documentaries, embarked on a new chapter in his career by establishing his own independent production company, Poppoli Pictures. With his leadership and expertise at the helm, the team crafted a compelling documentary titled Blindsker, which garnered widespread acclaim and ultimately earned the coveted "Best Documentary" award at the prestigious Icelandic Film Awards in the year 2004.
In addition to his success with Blindsker, Olaf's creative vision and production prowess also led to the creation of another notable documentary, Africa United, which premiered in 2005. This remarkable film shared the same honor as Blindsker, receiving the "Best Documentary" award at the Icelandic Film Awards, further solidifying Olaf's reputation as a talented and accomplished filmmaker.
Olaf's impressive body of work garnered him prestigious nominations for the esteemed title of Best Icelandic Filmmaker at the renowned cultural newspaper, DV, in both 2005 and 2006. Furthermore, he received a nod for Best Director at the distinguished Icelandic Film Awards in 2005. Moreover, Olaf's exceptional talent did not go unnoticed, as he was handpicked to participate in the highly competitive and respected Berlinale Talent Campus in both 2003 and 2004.
Olaf Johannesson, a skilled filmmaker, has successfully completed the production of Act Normal, a captivating documentary that follows the extraordinary journey of an English Buddhist monk who makes the unconventional decision to renounce his monastic vows and embark on a new life as a married individual. This remarkable story was captured on camera over a period of 11 years, from 1995 to 2006, against the breathtaking backdrops of Iceland and Thailand.
Currently, Johannesson is actively involved in the production of The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela, a feature-length film that showcases his versatility as a filmmaker. This ambitious project is being produced by his own company, Poppoli Pictures, in collaboration with two esteemed production companies, Nimbus Films from Denmark and Blueeyes Productions from Iceland.
The cinematic narrative unfolds the enchanting tale of a Filipino ladyboy, endowed with a unique blend of innocence and streetwise intelligence, who embarks on a journey to the City of Love, Paris, in a quest for romance and self-acceptance. However, her adventure takes an unexpected turn as she finds herself working at a fish processing facility in the land of fire and ice, Iceland.
Meanwhile, Olaf is concurrently preparing for the highly anticipated Icelandic feature film "The Higher Force", slated for release in January 2007. In addition to this project, he is also collaborating with screenwriter Stefan Schaefer to develop the feature film "Diary of a Circledrawer", with plans to commence filming in early 2008.
