Framing the North: Chris Burkard Unpacks New Film: A Northern Life

In this episode of On Water, we sit down with acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and creative director Chris Burkard to explore his latest project, A Northern Life. Created in partnership with apparel icon Faherty, this 14-minute film offers a sweeping yet intimate portrait of life among Iceland’s northern fjords, a place which Burkard has called home for years.

Through stunning panoramics and deeply personal close-ups, filmmakers Ben Weiland and Brian Davis, under Burkard’s creative direction, co-create a cinematic love letter to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and its resilient communities. The result is a film that feels both expansive and deeply human.

Our conversation dives into the making of A Northern Life, Burkard’s creative vision for its characters and locations, and the intentional choice to use Iceland as the backdrop for this collaboration. Chris speaks candidly about his connection to the country, its people, and its culture while also reflecting on Iceland’s future and the importance of moving toward a more sustainable, tourism driven economy - rather than extractive metals & energy -  that benefits both the land and the communities who depend on it.

While we know Burkard as a widely known as a master visual storyteller, this episode reveals another side of him: a thoughtful, passionate advocate for Iceland and its preservation. We were honored to welcome Chris to our HQ in Burlington, Vermont, for the official launch of A Northern Life last December … and are even more honored to share this conversation with you.

We have a feeling his words may change the way you think about Iceland as your next adventure destination. We hope they do. It’s a place worth experiencing—and protecting.

Welcome to On Water, the official podcast of The Session Magazine. If you’re enjoying the conversation, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to our show. You can listen and follow along on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play, or anytime at session-magazine.com. Thanks for tuning in—we’re glad you’re here.