First-look images of Ugla Hauksdóttir’s volcano thriller The Fires have been unveiled by Screen International. The feature, shot on location in Iceland throughout the summer, is led by actors Vigdís Hrefna Pálsdóttir and Pilou Asbæk.

Currently based in New York City, Hauksdóttir began her artistic journey as part of the prestigious Fine Arts programme at The Cooper Union, where she focused on photography and experimental film. Following the completion of her first short, Ugla pursued further studies at Columbia University.

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Her previous credits include The Power, Hanna, Snowfall and Trapped. In addition to her work in TV, she has also directed a number of shorts and music videos.

Penned by Hauksdóttir herself together with Markus Englmair, the new picture is an adaptation of the best-selling Icelandic novel of the same name by Sigríður Hagalín. The story is set against a backdrop of unease and fear as volcanoes that have been dormant for 800 years show signs of life in Iceland’s populated region.

The cast is rounded off by Jóhann G Jóhannsson, Sigurður Sigurjónsson, Ingvar E Sigurdsson, Guðmundur Ólafsson, Þór Tulinius, Arndís Hrönn Egilsdóttir and Jörundur Ragnarsson. The Fires is being produced by Grímar Jónsson for Iceland’s Netop Films and Klaudia Śmieja-Rostworowska, of Poland’s Madants, with Anonymous Content co-representing North American rights.

Some of the pre-sales already announced include Germany (via Wild Bunch) and the Middle East (via Front Row). Bankside Films, the UK outfit in charge of its international sales, will be showing a promo to buyers during Las Vegas’ American Film Market, running until Sunday 10 November.

The release date is yet to be disclosed.