When The Light Breaks

Rúnar Rúnarsson
RELEASE Thu 13 Feb

In the intimate drama When The Light Breaks, award-winning Icelandic director Rúnar Rúnarsson (Volcano, Sparrows) paints an intense picture of grief, connection and the complex dynamics between love and loss. Combined with Sophia Olsson’s cinematography, which brings the beautiful Icelandic landscapes to life, When The Light Breaks makes for an impressive film that you as a viewer will not soon forget.

Art student Una is in a secret relationship with Diddi and they dream of a future together. But before that is possible, Diddi must first end his relationship with his official girlfriend. On the way to her, the unthinkable happens: Diddi dies in a devastating tunnel fire with many victims. Una is surprised by the news at school and hours of uncertainty follow for her and Diddi's friends, while they are taken in by authorities. When it is confirmed that Diddi has also died, their world collapses. At home, the friends seek support from each other, and in a mixture of sadness, anger, disbelief and joy, they recall memories of their good friend. Meanwhile, Una struggles to find her place among this company, especially when Diddi's girlfriend Klara shows up - completely unaware of his secret relationship with Una.

When The Light Breaks shows that sadness can look different for everyone and gives space to everyone's feelings. The film was the opening film of the Un Certain Regard program of the Cannes Film Festival and has already received several awards.

When The Light Breaks
Direction
Rúnar Rúnarsson
Cast
Baldur Einarsson, Mikael Kaaber, Elín Hall, Katla Njálsdóttir, Gunnar Hrafn Kristjánsson, Ágúst Wigum
Duration
82 min
RELEASE
Thu 13 Feb
Year
2024
Country
Iceland, The Nethelands, Croatia, France
Language
Icelandic
Subtitles
Dutch
  • Watch out with children under 12
  • Fear
  • Drugs- and alcoholabuse
  • Coarse Language