Three basses and Anna Akhmatova

A short film for TV

The film tells the story of Anna Akhmatova, the Russian poetess, who was born in Odessa, Ukraine. During her long life, she endured silencing, censorship, and persecution. Her first husband was murdered, her only son was imprisoned for many years, and her third husband died in a concentration camp. Stalin was said to fear Anna Akhmatova, because she could fill any auditorium when she advertised a poetry reading. Regína Stefnisdóttir has translated three of Akhmatova´s poems into Icelandic. I set them to music. In the film, three Icelandic bass singers of international renown, Bjarni Thor Kristinsson, Kristinn Sigmundsson, and Viðar Gunnarsson, perform the songs accompanied by pianist Helga Bryndís Magnúsdóttir. The film was premiered on Axess TV in Sweden 7 October 2025 and was awarded first prize in the documentary category at the film festival Premio Felix 8˚ edizione in Milan 17-20 November 2025. The film awaits its premiere on Icelandic State Television (RÚV). See trailer below.