The group behind Iceland’s only arthouse cinema is mounting a final effort to keep the venue open as it faces imminent closure due to a proposed rental hike.
Bíó Paradís was opened in 2010 by non-profit group Heimili kvikmyndanna – comprised of the professional societies and filmmaking guilds of Iceland – on Hverfisgata, one of Reykjavik’s main streets.
However, Karls Mikla ehf, the company that took ownership of the property in 2014, is looking to increase rent by 150% when the current rental agreement ends on June 30 – more in line with market rates – and is not committed to help Bíó Paradís pay for essential repairs.