Self-Defence: A Documentary About Women’s Self-Defence by Olaf de Fleur

Self-Defence is one of the most personal and challenging documentaries I’ve ever directed. From the start, I wanted to create something simple—but not simplistic. A film that says clearly and without hesitation: everyone can learn to defend themselves.

But that message carries weight. Because self-defence isn’t just about physical protection—it’s about self-respect. And when someone begins to truly value themselves, the way they move through the world changes. That kind of internal shift doesn’t just help the individual—it ripples outward into communities, relationships, and society as a whole.

The story unfolds through siblings Imma Helga and Jón Viðar, with Imma at the centre. Her courage, honesty, and presence pulled me in from the beginning. Through her journey, we see how confronting fear—directly and honestly—can lead to deep, lasting transformation.

I began filming in the midst of the COVID pandemic in 2020, and we followed the siblings for nearly four years. The editing phase was long and intense, carefully shaped to build a structure that makes the ideas in this film deeply accessible. I wanted to create a documentary that doesn’t just tell you why self-defence matters—it shows you, in every frame, how it can serve anyone who chooses to practice it. On many, many levels.

My connection to this story is personal. I started training with Imma and Jón back in 2010 while filming City State. That was the first time my eyes were opened to the world of martial arts—and it changed something in me. Today, that training continues to shape how I approach filmmaking, how I handle stress, and how I carry myself. It’s helped me stay calm under pressure, grounded in chaos, and confident in situations life throws my way.

This film is, at its core, a thank you. To them. To the practice. And to the quiet strength that comes from learning how to stand your ground.