Hrönn Marinósdóttir, the founder and manager of the Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF), along with the festival's chairman Þórir Ólafsson, has publicly rejected several serious accusations that were made against the festival in a news program on Rás 1 on March 4. The allegations included claims of underpaying staff below minimum wage and misusing resources provided by the government’s Employment Agency, which they have categorically denied. They assert that the festival operates legitimately and in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations.

In their statement, Marinósdóttir and Ólafsson emphasized the importance of accountability in the face of such serious claims, requesting that any accusations made publicly should be backed by solid evidence. They expressed concern that the remarks made on the program provided a misleading representation of RIFF's operations, suggesting that they could harm the festival's reputation. The festival has a long-standing history and significance in the Icelandic cultural landscape, and maintaining its integrity is crucial for its continued success.

The rejection of these claims underlines a broader importance of transparency and accountability in the management of cultural and artistic institutions. As festivals like RIFF play a vital role in promoting Icelandic and international films, it is imperative for their governance to remain above reproach. The response from the RIFF management aims to restore confidence among stakeholders and the public, ensuring that the festival can move forward without the shadow of these unsubstantiated allegations.