We are big fans of Magnus Magnusson and his Instagram account that features phenomenal footage of Defenders overlanding in Iceland. Now a new film short tells much of his story.
From Sam Gillespie:
“Icelandic explorer Magnus Magnusson @Maggirunar reflects on the peaks he’s climbed—both in the wild and within—as he journeys the path less travelled across Iceland’s rugged landscapes in in his trusty Land Rover Defender 110, called ‘Mossy.’
‘The highest peaks aren’t always the hardest climbs’ Mountains of the Mind is a documentary film production by Matchbox Film Co @MatchboxFilmCo directed by Creative Director Sam Gillespie @samgillespie
Mountains of the Mind is an intimate portrait of Magnus Magnusson, a 50-year-old Icelander whose life story unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of his homeland’s mountains, rivers, and glaciers. Having overcome alcohol addiction in his early twenties, Magnus now finds peace and clarity in the wild—often alone, always thoughtful, reaching places that are inaccessible to most thanks to his Defender 110.
Through breathtaking visuals and honest reflections, the film reveals how nature becomes more than just a setting—it becomes a sanctuary for Magnus. Whether climbing Iceland’s highest peaks or navigating rough F-roads through the highlands, Magnus shares what it means to live deliberately, to heal, and to find strength in solitude.
Mountains of the Mind is about resilience. It’s about the quiet victories, the discipline to keep going, and the landscapes—external and internal—that shape who we are.
Directed, filmed & edited by Sam Gillespie, with special thanks to Lloyd Evans and Rob Browne.”
To learn more about Mountains of the Mind, please click here.
To check out more from Matchbox Film Co., please click here.
To check out more from Sam Gillespie on YouTube, please click here.
And to see more from Sam Gillespie on Instagram, please click here.
And to see more from Magnus Magnusson, click here.
