A few weeks ago I told you about getting to see Yarn
the film and how I enjoyed seeing the different stories about how yarn crafts can go out into the world and give people a different perspective on craft.
I had a chance to chat virtually with one of the movie’s codirectors/producers, Thordur Jonsson, about how the movie was made and what it’s been like to share it with the world. Enjoy!
Craft Gossip: How did the idea for Yarn come about?
Thordur Jonsson: One of the co-directors/producer and the writer/executive producer were at a film festival and started to talk about ‘The Great British Bake Off’ and how that made baking really popular again. Then they started to talk about what could be the next trend to take off and then they thought of knitting. From there, the idea developed to be all about yarn and the endless possibilities of yarn.
CG: Do you knit/crochet? When and how did you learn?
TJ: I know how to both knit and crochet but I don’t do either regularly. I learned how to do both as a child in school, all children from my generation both males and females were taught in school how to both knit and crochet. Also, my mother used to do both and it was therefore always around me, as well as growing up on a sheep farm in the remote North of Iceland.
CG: How were the subjects of the film chosen?
TJ: To me, it was important to have characters that approach yarn differently but that all also express their personal feelings through yarn. We wanted subjects that would be visually intriguing but also that had a deeper meaning to their work.
CG: What has the reaction been as the film has traveled the world?
TJ: Just amazing. So many people have thanked us for making a film about yarn, a much overdue subject matter, they feel. Some people have talked about how this film creates a bridge between what they call the craft and the art world. People that are passionate about yarn have turned out in huge numbers to watch the film and are very active to promote and share the news of the film through social media — we couldn’t have a better, more active audience, we’re super happy and proud to be a part of this wide community with the film. The film is still playing throughout the United States and will roll out in the fall in theatres in Canada, UK, Sweden and now screenings are lining up further afield in Australia, Greenland, Bratislava and beyond. It’s so exciting to hear from people all over the world that want to watch the film.
CG: Any plans for a DVD release
?
TJ: We are looking to release the DVD in 2017. To stay in the loop as details develop please be sure to follow us on Facebook.
CG: Anything else you want to add?
TJ: Making this film took us on both an amazing and at times crazy journey through so many layers of the yarn world and to over 10 different countries across the world. Even though this film on the surface looks like it’s all about yarn it also travels even deeper into human rights and gender equality amongst other issues through yarn. I hope you’ll be inspired and engaged to watch the film and share with your friends too, as yarn really does connect us all.
YARN is currently playing in theatres across the US. To see if it is opening in a theatre near you and to learn more about the film visit www.yarnfilm.com.
