Plot Analysis Summary
A chronological and thematic breakdown of the band's 2006 Icelandic tour, protest activism, and subsequent film release.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Icelandic Tour Beginnings
The documentary opens with Sigur Rós embarking on their summer 2006 tour across Iceland. The band performs a series of intimate, small-scale concerts in remote coastal towns, establishing a tone of exploration and connection with local landscapes.
Key Events
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Tour Departure & Preparation — The band begins their summer 2006 tour across Iceland. Location: Iceland
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Ólafsvík Concert — First small-scale concert of the tour on July 24. Location: Ólafsvík
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Ísafjörður Performance — Second tour stop on July 26 featuring acoustic sets. Location: Ísafjörður
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Djúpavík Concert — Third tour stop on July 27 in a remote coastal town. Location: Djúpavík
Environmental Protest & Mid-Tour
As the tour progresses, the band integrates activism into their performance schedule. A notable protest concert against the Kárahnjúkar dam highlights their commitment to environmental causes, adding a layer of political tension to the musical journey.
Key Events
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Djúpavík Concert — Third tour stop on July 27 in a remote coastal town. Location: Djúpavík
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Háls & Öxnadalur Show — Fourth tour stop on July 28 highlighting natural landscapes. Location: Háls, Öxnadalur
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Seyðisfjörður Concert — Fifth tour stop on August 3 in an eastern fjord. Location: Seyðisfjörður
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Kárahnjúkar Dam Protest — Band performs a protest concert against the dam on August 3. Location: Snæfellsskála
Grand Open-Air Concerts
The tour culminates in two massive open-air performances in Reykjavík and Ásbyrgi. These climactic shows draw large audiences and showcase the band's ability to command expansive natural stages, marking the emotional peak of the documentary.
Key Events
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Miklatún Open-Air Concert — Major open-air concert on July 30 drawing large crowds. Location: Miklatún, Reykjavík
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Ásbyrgi Open-Air Concert — Second major open-air concert on August 4 in a canyon. Location: Ásbyrgi
Acoustic Intimacy & Release
The narrative shifts to a private acoustic session for family and friends, followed by the film's premiere and commercial release. The documentary concludes with award recognitions and digital distribution, cementing the project's lasting impact.
Key Events
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Gamla Borg Acoustic Session — Intimate acoustic concert for family and friends on April 22, 2007. Location: Gamla Borg, Borg
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Film Premiere Screening — Documentary premieres on September 27, 2007. Location: Reykjavík International Film Festival
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DVD Release Launch — Official DVD release on November 5, 2007. Location: Global Markets
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North America Release — DVD released in North America on December 4, 2007. Location: North America
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Somewhere Cold Award — Voted DVD of the Year in December 2007. Location: American Webzine
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Canadian Gold Certification — DVD sells 5,000 copies earning Gold status. Location: Canada
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US Platinum Certification — DVD certified Platinum for 100,000 copies sold. Location: America
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HD Digital Release — HD version released digitally on May 27, 2011. Location: Official Website
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Photobook Documentation — Special edition includes atmospheric tour photos. Location: DVD Edition
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Cultural Impact Assessment — Documentary cements the band's artistic legacy. Location: Global Music Scene
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Homecoming Theme Closure — Film concludes by reinforcing the 'at home' narrative. Location: Iceland
Ethereal post-rock pioneers Sigur Rós play a string of impromptu gigs in their native Iceland after finishing a world tour in 2006. As they travel through the country, the band visits a wide variety of venues, from a large outdoor festival to a coffee shop.
