Icelandic cinema shines: ‘When the Light Breaks’ gains global traction
A new gem from Icelandic director Rúnar Rúnarsson
In the lead-up to its North American debut at the Toronto Film Festival, Rúnar Rúnarsson’s latest film, When the Light Breaks, has captured the attention of international distributors. This critically acclaimed piece, which had its world premiere at Cannes, is being managed by Paris-based The Party Film Sales.
A closer look at the film
Shot on 16mm film, When the Light Breaks stars Elín Hall (known for Let Me Fall) as Una. Rúnarsson has described Una as an “outsider in the events that unfold around her, even though she is in fact at their center.” This film marks Rúnarsson’s fourth feature, following his breakthrough with the Oscar-nominated short Two Birds in 2008. His previous works include Volcano (Cannes Directors’ Fortnight 2011), Sparrows (San Sebastian 2015 winner), and Echo (2019 Valladolid and Lübeck fest winner).
Global distribution and reception
Following its premiere at Cannes and screenings at Karlovy Vary and Munich FilmFest, The Party Film Sales has secured theatrical deals for When the Light Breaks in numerous countries. These include:
- Japan: Bitters End
- U.K. and Ireland: Modern Films
- Germany and Austria: Neue Visionen
- Taiwan: Proview Entertainment
- Australia and New Zealand: Palace Films
- Portugal: Nitrato
- Sweden: Njuta
- China: Hugoeast
- Brazil: Imovision
- Czech Republic & Slovakia: Vertigo
- India: Bigtree Entertainment
- Ukraine: Kiyvmusicfilm
Previous sales were closed in Italy (Movies Inspired), Switzerland (Xenix), Norway (Arthaus), Denmark (Ost for Paradis), Finland (Cinemanse), Hungary (Vertigo), Greece (Cinobo), Israel (New Cinema), Poland (Aurora), Turkey (Bir Film), and the Baltics (Estofilm). The film will be released by Jour2fête in France, Cherry Pickers in Benelux, Zagreb Film Festival in Croatia, and Sam Film in Iceland.
The personal touch behind the story
Rúnarsson produced the film alongside Heather Millard of Iceland’s Compass Films, in co-production with local banner Halibut, Holland’s Revolver, France’s Eaux Vives/Jour2Fête, and Croatia’s MP Film. The Icelandic auteur has shared that the film was inspired by a deeply personal event. “Ever since experiencing the loss of a friend as a young man, I wanted to deal with the emotions I experienced the day it happened by telling a universal story,” he explained. “Another recent loss in my life re-awoke that urge, and the storyline became more concrete.”
A reflection on Rúnarsson’s impact
Rúnarsson’s work is a testament to the power of personal storytelling in cinema. His ability to weave intimate, emotional narratives into universally relatable stories has earned him a place among the most respected filmmakers in contemporary cinema. When the Light Breaks is no exception, promising to resonate with audiences worldwide through its poignant exploration of loss and resilience.
For those eager to delve deeper into Rúnarsson’s latest masterpiece, you can watch the trailer for When the Light Breaks and explore more about the film.
The broader landscape of Icelandic cinema
Icelandic cinema has been steadily gaining international recognition, with filmmakers like Rúnarsson leading the charge. The country’s unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage provide a stunning backdrop for storytelling, while its filmmakers bring a distinct voice to the global stage. As Iceland continues to produce compelling and visually striking films, it is clear that the nation’s cinematic influence will only grow stronger.
Final thoughts
When the Light Breaks is more than just a film; it is a reflection of the human experience, capturing the complexities of grief and the journey towards healing. Rúnarsson’s ability to translate personal pain into a universal narrative is a testament to his skill as a filmmaker. As the film makes its way to audiences around the world, it is sure to leave a lasting impact, reminding us all of the power of cinema to connect us through shared emotions and experiences.