Aldís Amah Hamilton: Black Sands star, producer and writer on why this trailblazing Nordic Noir is captivating global audiences

Glassriver's acclaimed Icelandic drama Black Sands has had a fantastic reception this month. Following its European premiere at Nordic Film Days in Lubeck, Germany it has since launched on UKTV to critical acclaim and is screening at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia tonight. We spoke to Aldís Amah Hamilton, series star, co-creator, co-screenwriter and executive producer about returning for series two, why Black Sands continues to connect with international audiences and her trailblazing storytelling.

Black Sands has received a fantastic international reception. Season 2 recently had its European premiere in Germany at Nordic Film Days and is also screening in Estonia tonight! Why do you think the series resonates so well with global audiences?

It's amazing to see our Icelandic drama finding homes around the world from countries like Australia to North America, from Germany to the Philippines and beyond! There are many different aspects of the series that audiences connect with. Some like the scenery, some the character arcs, some like the characters' resilience. I think what makes Black Sands feel distinct and why it's connected with a global audience is that it is both a fascinating character study that plays out alongside a gripping murder case.

How did it feel returning to Season 2 after the success of Season 1?

Coming back to Black Sands was such a rewarding and validating experience as we felt very happy to be renewed for another season. We had wanted to write another one to answer the questions we left open and getting the opportunity to do so made it a great experience. Plus getting to build on what we’d already done helps the first season as well, so it came full circle.

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Can you share your experience as writer, lead, and EP on Black Sands Season 2?

It’s hard to express how thrilling, rewarding but also intense the whole process is. As a writer, I was able to mature from our first season and take on so much more responsibility. Of course, we all pitch in and share ideas but this was different from the previous season where Baldvin (the director) handed out specific scenes to our small writing team and I’m thankful for his trust.

A huge highlight was getting such an incredible cast to portray our characters. The fact that everyone said yes was astounding, these are some of our most beloved actors joining season two, so I felt very honoured to be trusted by them.

How does it feel to be part of the shift toward more diversity and representation in Nordic storytelling?

It feels like it’s about time. This is not the first time people of colour have existed in the Nordics and even though we have grown in numbers, there were plenty of people not represented except as minor figures. It feels good to see change and although I can sometimes become impatient, I am always surprised at how fast things are changing and that feels invigorating.

Being the first person of colour to lead, write, and receive an Edda Nomination for an Icelandic series (for Black Sands season one) meant so much . When I began in the industry, there weren’t any Icelandic actors of colour in this position and I wasn’t sure there ever would be. To be one of the people paving the way for all the young talent in Iceland is a big responsibility and one I accept with pride.?

What’s your favourite crime/detective series??

I loved Broen (The Bridge), and meeting Sofia Helin at Nordic Film Days was an absolute highlight in my career. Recently I fell so hard for the Korean series, Through the Darkness. It’s very case-driven, but the actors have such an incredible dynamic chemistry that you can’t help but fall in love with them and become heavily involved in their journey.