UNNUR

Elli Thor is an Icelandic photographer, surfer, and former kayaker. A decade ago Elli nearly drowned under a waterfall while kayaking a challenging Icelandic river. The near death experience became a catalyst for personal growth and his professional career. After walking away from kayaking, a newfound passion for surfing and the birth of his daughter Unnur gave him a new perspective worth living for.
Directed by: Chris Burkard
Assistant Director: Ben Weiland
Written by: Matt McDonald
Director of Photography: Jeff Taylor
Executive Producers: Matt Parnell, Evan Slater
Produced by: Mike Sandifer, Chris Burkard
Story by: Ben Weiland, Chris Burkard, Matt McDonald
Cinematography: Ben Weiland, Jeff Taylor, Chris Burkard, Egill, Sal D'Alia
Drone Operators: Chris Burkard, Ben Weiland
Water Cinematography: Ben Weiland, Chris Burkard
Editors: Dave Phelps, Ryan Espinosa, Jeff Taylor, Ben Weiland
Music Licensing: Ryan Espinosa, Mike Sandifer
DIT: Matt Foley
Still Photography: Matt Foley, Chris Burkard
Set PA: Matt Foley
Sound Design: Jan Bezouska
Colorist: Dave Phelps
Graphic Artists: Ben Weiland, Kyle Kerr, Riley Brown
Surfers: Heidar Logi
Please visit: www.chrisburkar... to see more work, and follow here:
FACEBOOK: on. 1wcwNW5
INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/1vpibBX
BLOG: bit.ly/1FdCQJ7

[@danielrodel3646]

Feeling gulity for watching this for free. What a masterpiece!

[@ChrisLorensson]

Same here.

[@armando.visuals]

Seriously! 100%

[@Cryptic_x]

Yeah man I was thinking the same

[@PS-Straya_M8]

It has ads so does receive funding

[@armando.visuals]

@@PS-Straya_M8 so do movies in the theaters we go pay for i thought

[@derrickrr5516]

This one got me. I have a 15 year old daughter and an 11 year old son, both with autism. I consider my wife my soulmate, if there is such a thing, but because of her childhood experiences she really struggled for several crucial years. She was and is more responsible than anyone I’ve ever known but as she struggled with anger and stress her heart wasn’t where it needed to be and our kids suffered for it. I had to cut my hours in half for a couple years and eventually I took an indefinite leave of absence. My hobbies died one by one as the years went by. I still haven’t been able to go back to work completely. I had to be dad and mom too, at least in a nurturing sense. My wife always did better with our son so I spent a lot of time with our daughter. I’d take her to the family farm where I had worked for 10 years. We would spend her spring breaks there. We’d explore nature and go hunting and fishing together. She won a pageant a couple years ago. It was for girls with disabilities. She got to represent our state at the national pageant. My wife wanted nothing to do with it so I took her. It was one of the best weekends of my life. Yeah, I’ve turned into a softy but I’m not ashamed. Kids need to know their parents love them. Today I’m almost in disbelief because I had just about lost all hope when, I’m happy to say, my wife pulled through. Honestly for the past eight months she’s been more patient and empathetic than I’ve been. Unfortunately our daughter is a mess. If I listed ALL of her diagnoses no one would believe me. I live everyday in disbelief. No matter how bad things have ever been I’ve always made sure my kids know I love them. Tonight at tuck in my daughter said to me, “Dad, you are the most patient parent in the whole world and I love you so much.” I welled up. A couple hours later I watched this film by pure coincidence and the well got emptied.

[@Abuzhumagulov]

God Bless you sir. 🤍

[@michelledixon6506]

❤just want to acknowledge how challenging your journey has been and what a loving heart you have.

[@greentumble]

Dear @derrickrr5516 Your story is very touching. I completely understand what you're going through and I respect very much your devotion to your family. How are things these days? Hard I suppose. I wish you all the best and may God ease your pain and give you peace and strength to keep going. Life is not easy, I know. I have a 3y old daughter with a medical condition and is very hard too. But I am trying every day to show her how much I love her and how important she is for me.

[@lavapix]

We all have people who think what we are doing is a waste of time. They can't seem to see past what they consider normal.

[@ckonda]

I can completely relate to this

[@cullanmac]

Amen

[@davet3677]

wait, what is normal ?

[@lavapix]

@@davet3677 Exactly.

[@chrismarto9255]

"People say that I'm a dreamer ... but I'm not the only one." - John Lennon

[@mikeolsen_me]

“Can we go surfing tomorrow?”. Is there any question she’ll remember these days with loving memories? Impossible not to. Well done dad.

[@brandonatchison3484]

Me: Super emotional about to cry... KZbin Ad: " I LOVE YOU LIKE LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA"

[@armando.visuals]

Lol 😂

[@jannielayne2565]

I have had the pleasure of spending time with Elli recently during a vacation in Iceland. He is one of the kindest people I met. Everyone we met in Iceland seemed to appreciate the beauty of their home. A gentle soft spoken man of extreme talents and kindness. My life is blessed for having met and for spending time with him.

[@armando.visuals]

Id be honored to meet Elli

[@valerieain1995]

Wow!!! How amazing for you....this film is a true gem!!! Beautiful in every way 😍

[@bbacalhau]

Great story and amazing cinematography! Keep up the awesome work guys!

[@sandb1867]

The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships, as this beautiful film shows.

[@NilsDecker]

Just cried a little on a Wednesday afternoon. Thanks for this Chris, Unnur, Elli. A father of two girls.

[@ChrisJBrown72]

As a single, fulltime parent with 1 daughter... I so relate to this film! Thank you for making. His worries, and hopes are real. He hopes his kid carries on what he loves most... large part of my you tube channel is me doing that. The whole thing where he ponders the why he lived... totally relate, as retired Army, I have so many why me's, etc... an yes you look at her a wonder, was it because of her... For me, now that she is 18 and beginning college, I can only hope, I gave her a compass with a couple possible headings, and someday she can use that to find her way back to where she came from. Thank you again!

[@katiemarie1362]

hey, you really touched me with this film. i ve never been to iceland, but had an icelandic horse which passed away a week ago. he was my best friend when i was finding my own path and discovering surfing. i believe that the soul of an icelandic horse goes back to its homeland when it dies. surfing is helping me to cope with this loss so much...one day i will surf in iceland and will hopefully feel the presence of his spirit.

[@alev4287]

I hope you get to go there real soon! It’s such a beautiful place no wonder you’d want to be a photographer there! Maybe see you up there

[@emjayvee9]

I’m not a horse person, never had the chance, but I rode in northern iceland a few days ago. Totally smitten with Icelandic horses now, sorry for your loss

[@KanishkGupta]

Didn't just watch it!......Lived it!!!

[@TomasRamoska]

After watching some popular KZbinrs riding one wheel and constantly talking about cinematography without actually doing it. This is like fresh breath of air.

[@ericflagg7556]

As a filmmaker, a dad of a daughter, a worshiper of nature...I think this film is wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to tell a 'small story' that speaks to the existential. Great work!

[@mackie32x48]

You made the right choice Brother. Having been to Iceland with my little girl I have Always said before I ever saw this film this is where we need to be to reconnect.

[@vaibhavdhabale4863]

This was such a touching movie! The monologue is incredible and quotes are really really good.... Well captured Chris!

[@mikeolsen_me]

Wow. If your child enjoys spending time with you, trust it. Is it 100% for them? 100% for you? In the end, I doubt that’s a big deal. Sharing your passion with the world, with your child, that’s an amazing thing. Never apologize for that.

[@bydward]

I love being a dad. It’s the only thing in life that I love and at the same time know I walk a fine line of being successful or a failure at. Each day is it’s own challenge.

[@biddingood14]

Beautiful story, Unur reminds me of my granddaughter Scarlett. Amazing landscape. If only it wasn't so cold.Nature is a beautiful place to be. Thankyou from Australia.

[@sideshavelaura]

I saw this on Iceland Air and I'm SO glad it's so easy to find on KZbin. I came back to study the light and cinematography. Gorgeous.

[@bradgoliphant]

Does it really matter what people think??? Not really. What matters is that your are finding happiness and sharing LOVE. There is no greater purpose in LIFE. Well done my friend. Blessings always

[@deldridg]

Beautiful and touching. In some ways our story is similar - 2 young children living in the city but who have been immersed in the natural world since they were born. At 8 and 10 they have no interest in the passive electronics that is consuming their friends, they will fight to protect nature and they are learning about the responsibilities that come with being a human in rugged environments. They are extraordinarily fit just from their human powered adventures and they seem to grow wings with unbounded joy as they run trails, climb trees and swim in creeks. They seem happier, more grateful and contented than their peers and are never 'bored'. They are also likely to choose their own paths - at least, that is our hope. They didn't come with instructions and our parenting is filled with uncertainty and doubt - we are just trying to reflect the best of our own experiences growing up. So Elli - you are not only encouraging in your daughter the growth of character strengths and a sense of wonder and joy in her world, but you are gifting her spirit to a world that is so desperate for folks with gratitude, independent thinking and the courage to stand by it. Your honesty and the sheer beauty of this remarkable film is a shining light. Many thanks from Sydney, Aust - Dave

[@SayMahalo]

unreal cinematography...I mean, the whole movie is incredible, such a touching story, well crafted by the directors, Unnur and Elli are wonderful...but really, the visuals are out of this world! I'm deeply impressed by this film! Thank you!!!

[@ian408]

I have a few friends who've recently had kids. Their sense of journey hasn't changed and tho their kids don't realize it today, they'll gain the same sense of journey and discovery. I enjoyed Unnur for its sense the importance of sharing the journey with your kids and of being present with your kids. What ever your journey is. It's 17 minutes everyone could benefit from.

[@sheilaehrens9218]

She is a very lucky kid! What a beautiful life they have! Love and beauty ❤! Thank you for this amazing film. You're a gifted story teller!

[@Karodrinker]

Man it just makes me wanna go play in the ocean with my kids. The perfect escapism.

[@nlanzoni52]

An awesome movie that makes you feel happy about life. Loved it!

[@zebaa-love]

Patrick Watson’s song was the perfect choice for the end bit. Gave me all of the feels of being a human, to be alive, to feel, to have these moments and to realize how it is fleeting.

[@cahngayeng5006]

Great Cinematography, i think this documenter shouldn't be free. Great, it's soothing and blissful

[@misererenobis8900]

What more could you want from life? Lovely story and great cinematography, a joy to watch.

[@Ournotsoperfectlife]

How... I mean HOW can 11 people give this video and incredible story a thumbs down. Seriously???? Excellent work, and beautiful story telling!!

[@Desertdeco]

Oh my heart!💛😍

[@StephenJamesRheeder]

I'm in tears man. Elli, thank you for your bravery. Chris, this was absolutely breathtaking. When the right story comes along, I think we're ready to see a feature. Well done team!

[@TillGiesche]

Right now flying to Iceland, every time I watch this short film ❤

[@gregmanske]

one of the most beautiful movie I have seen recently. thank you.

[@thetalkingfly]

Beautiful simple beautiful, soothing.

[@lllcinematography]

14:26 I was weeping like a baby. I have a daughter too I'm a freelance cinematographer, it's my passion, my career. Covid destroyed almost all my jobs. I have so many things I want to do with her. I just need to move past myself and my limits to do better for her. And my son too. Thanks for this gem.

[@thiagowaldhelm]

This movie is so bloody beautiful. I'm in tears. Congratulations! Cheers from Brazil, mate

[@jwester013]

Wow to think I’ve been living my life without seeing this......

[@adamyoung4642]

Absolutely beautiful! Great story, extremely well done film. I loved the detail of never hearing Unnur's voice until the final second of the film where she asked to go surfing tomorrow. That was a great way of sort of tying up the monologue from Elli where he talked about wanting Unnur to make the hardest decision of deciding what she wants to do instead of what the world wants her to do. Love your work man, and great job to your team!

[@philvfilms]

One of the best things I’ve ever seen, visuals, story, music everything

[@millielove2854]

This was so so beautiful and stunning. It actually moved me to tears. I cannot believe how anyone could put a thumbs down for it. But unfortunately, those are the people who are asleep and so sadly unconscious. They live in such a sad and unbeautiful world. What you just brought us was beauty beyond words. Thank you so much

[@ReflectionsofLife]

So beautiful well done to all of you - the world needs more films like this. Thank you.

[@LiveInTheWilderness]

You're a beautiful soul Elli, your daughter will grow to be the same! Amazing video Chris, beautifully done! Have an amazing life guys!

[@douglasguillen1327]

Such a great documentary. Sublime and incredible quality in all aspects of cinematography, picture, sound, everything in this really makes you to connect with the story in a second. GREAT job for all the team part of this masterpiece.

[@hmdre206]

Chris this is so heart warming ❤ unnur will be remembered for long.. I specially love your Icelandic surfing aurora video and now this is added into that zone

[@Alsclips2013]

A beautiful inspiring film! Love everything about it! Thank you very much for sharing the joy, beauty and passion!

[@trevormurphy8192]

Beautiful simple story and Iceland as a backdrop, it does not get much better 🤙

[@finethanksandyou]

Elli's patterned sweater is the true hero.

[@TinaMB85]

Goodness what a gorgeous film. Everything about it was perfect. Wow. Bravo Chris 👏👏👏

[@JasonSmith-dd2ms]

Amazing film. Thanks for sharing this simple, but classic and beautiful story with the world.

[@NadineFlowersjoycampla]

I love this film so much. Thank you for making it. Thank you for living it Eli. I am sharing it with everyone I know and love.

[@thomasschonberger8672]

Sometimes we can't explain why we do the things we do, but we just can't stop. Thank you for sharing this story, Chris!

[@dramorsantiago]

Gorgeous and rich, what a wonderful story of love and life! Thank you!

[@noahlipsitz]

I am blown away. One of the best films ive seen in a long time. Such great story telling

[@NeilMansfield]

As a Dad to an eleven year old, we moved to the mountains 5 years ago, I can empathise with so much of this film. From the bookshelf and Howard Marks, the Gonzalez tune at the start to adventurous parents... Sail away from the safe harbour, always. A beautifully told story.

[@an69.]

Gracias ! Спасибо ! Thank you very much! Beautiful video !Like from Russia!

[@margaritamariyanovaivanova4806]

Real Purpose of Living and Pure Love! Boost energy movie!

[@theartofstoryzw]

One of my favorite docs of all time. Thank you so much for this film Chris. Inspires me so much as a young filmmaker.

[@timbah24]

Watched it last week and can’t stop telling people they need to see this one. Love your work Chris! Motivates me to get better everyday.

[@ethanglanger4197]

If this isn’t the dream film to create I don’t know what is. The style, editing, story, to the cinematic’s and emotion it conveys just makes me want to work ten times harder towards my dreams of making something this amazing one day. You’ve done it again Chris

[@majo8115]

We need more of this... much much more... And the future will be much better. Great video!!!

[@danielkudish8784]

What a beautiful gift this movie is. Thank you Chris for making this!

[@jacobheatley-adams3263]

Beautiful, warm, moving and most importantly its honest. Thank you

[@swishincstudio]

So cool! This one jumped out at us from amongst the rabble of social media! A truly touching moment watching an incredible unfolding story of love. Thanks Chris for creating this and sharing such a personal journey of this father and daughter. I know I'll be watching it over and over again.

[@markusk3266]

Thank you for this amazing 19 minutes !!! Love your work !!

[@atlantidaangel6552]

Really beautiful. A gift she will cherish.

[@pamelamt8895]

A touching and multilayered story about living our passions, parenthood and staying true to oneself. Thanks to all involved for sharing this with the world....I have watched it now 3 times because it is so moving. While the photography is stunning the life’s messages are thought provoking ones that linger with us.....

[@pollyannadarling6205]

Utterly beautiful in so many ways ... thank you.

[@gregorymayhew9260]

Awesome film my friend!! Do NOT listen to those who mock your passion! Pursue it to the utmost!!

[@conors8233]

Absolutely incredible. The craftsmanship that went into this just blew me away. The story arc, color, moods/tones and audio engineering.. what a beauty. Inspiring in so many ways

[@natalysith9495]

I don't have words to express how i feel, mi heart is so full, this is a masterpiece.

[@burakbudak2684]

Story, inspiration, culture, and photography... It was magical 19 min. Huge thank you for y'all.

[@dudedude8931]

As a single dad, surfer, person... I find this really moving. Beautifully done.

[@susannewilliams]

as one who has adventurous parents who uprooted me from “the norm”, I am MOST grateful. One tip. Realise she is like an expat kid. Help her understand that not everyone is like her, not everyone has yet tasted a strawberry. Help her to place herself in their shoes. My parent were explicit with me about this when I was about 12. You are showing her self-determination. Please continue! ❤️

[@theplusandtheminus]

Man!!!!! So simple yet so powerful!!! So deep!! What a nice piece of art you got there!!! Thanks for sharing it!! Congratulations for this piece!!!

[@andreasnellas9430]

19 minutes well spent. very captivating film. for a moment I felt I was there.

[@yoyo-naratu1515]

Somehow i discovered this without looking . . . I found it extremely moving and utterly beautiful. Thank you . . . . Following your heart is never a waste of time

[@SorenBarahona]

Beautiful work, you are showing your daughter, the best part of this world, she will never forget !!!!!!!

[@mahmutsuner7560]

Just the way Chris explained in his how to documentaries. Bravo beautiful work of art.

[@saitansky]

Got the chance to wacth it in the plane back to Canada after my 2 year in Iceland, seeing your picture from your young age reminded me my youth at the cabin when little. Lovely short film :)

[@jeremiahbishopswheelhouse]

Evocative and powerful piece of story telling, It affirms my believe that you should never sell you dreams and the only normal you should live in life should be yours.

[@JustRawFootage]

Hey Chris, I saw your movie Under an Arctic Sky in Boulder, CO at the Fjallraven store. I spoke to you after and a man I met in line bought your book for me because I couldn't justify spending the money (even though you absolutely deserve it) when I could hardly pay rent in College. That man's gesture, my experience meeting you, and my own experience with naturalists all serve as proof that naturalistic ways of life are ones that beget humanistic people. You've inspired me for years and continue to every time I get to see your vision in visuals. I've been making surf films and doing photography for years with little inspiration other than what Elli and you both seek out: adventure and community in nature. It's such a pleasure to see this film and enjoy this film for FREE. Gosh, the internet is a blessing and a curse. I'll see ya in the lineup -- Iceland here I come.

[@jasonmiller7795]

Dude as a dad this makes me cry, in a good way. Amazing work.

[@camillahyllebergphotography]

tears. joy. thoughts. so very well done.

[@JudithSteiner]

Amazing🤩. Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful story and pictures 🙏🏼.

[@awokeadoe]

I don’t know what it is that this Movie is touching within me, but it holds it very tight . Awesome movie !

[@cam_here]

What an amazing piece, she's going to look back at this and be so proud of her father. I'm sure she already is

[@Mtrospectiv]

Was intrigued, but when the song from The Cinematic Orchestra 'to build a home' (ft. Patrick Watson) came in, I teared up. Great short, lovely cinematography!

[@TomMarasco]

Incredible. Everything.

[@janetangulo]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've seen lately. Thank you so much

[@MrCozien]

Very nice story an an incredible cut and color grading . Such a beautiful Inspiration..... thanks you so much for Sharing.

[@Geoff1207]

Great movie, very inspiring story! For me there’s no better way to raise a kid than the way described here, close to nature. And I couldn’t imagine a better place than Iceland to raise a happy, healthy and strong kid!

[@wolkenrob]

The cinematography is stunning. What a piece!

[@evmollet5418]

Nice one this! Beautiful view. And an small ode to Lea and Nicolas, Fragments of Iceland 🤔😇

[@SamuelHardenberg]

So beautiful and inspiring!! Thank you for sharing this on KZbin.

[@maxim.horoshilov]

I'm speechless. So much inspiration. Love the story and the way you produced it. Thank you for such a masterpiece.

[@CooksterzLittlefield]

Earth will be her center, her home, her Dad! Beautifully filmed and storied! You want a season 2!

[@edeninco]

I think any artist money-making is not the 1st priority.. All need 1st support and love, a motivation which is our hand 🙌 they never felt they are alone or a waste of times to create a masterpiece. Respect man 🙌👍🧡

[@Val03061992]

Absolutely amazing movie, stunning views, moving story ... and an inredible way of living. A masterpiece