WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS by Rúnar Rúnarsson to open Un Certain Regard in Cannes
Rúnar Rúnarsson's latest film, When the Light Breaks, has been selected for Cannes Film Festival 2024. The film will open the Un Certain Regard in the festival's official selection.
"There was an entire army of talented people who made When the Light Breaks a reality with their dedication and passion. I cannot put into words how proud I am of us for achieving this milestone," says Rúnarsson.
When the Light Breaks unfolds on a beautiful spring day when a young woman's life takes a turn in an instant. This initiates a rollercoaster ride of emotions, where the boundaries between laughter and tears, beauty and sorrow, sometimes blur. Elín Hall takes on the lead role in the film (Let Me Fall, 2018 ).
Heather Millard of Iceland's Compass Films produces the film together with Rúnarsson. Co-production companies include the Icelandic Halibut, Netherland's Revolver, France's Eaux Vives/Jour2Fête, and Croatia's MP Film. The film is supported by the Icelandic Film Centre and has also received funding from Eurimages, the Creative Europe – Media programme, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, The Netherland's Film Fund, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, as well as Icelandic national broadcaster RÚV, and the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE.
The Party Film Sales handles international sales and distribution of the film.
The Cannes Film Festival takes place from May 14th to 25th, 2024.
When the Light Breaks is Rúnar Rúnarsson's fourth feature-length film. His first feature film, Volcano, was released in 2011 and premiered in the Director's Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival. The film won 17 international awards at various film festivals. His second feature film, Sparrows (2015), was selected for numerous film festivals and received 20 international awards, including the Golden Shell, the top prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival. Rúnar's third feature film, ECHO, was selected for the Cannes Atelier, a program for emerging directors. The film premiered at the Locarno Film Festival and won six international awards.
He is also well-known for his short films, which have received over 100 international awards and acclaim worldwide. The last farm was nominated for an Oscar in 2006, while 2 Birds was selected for the main program of the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the European Film Awards in 2008. The short film Anna (2009) was selected for the Director's Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival.
Photo credits:
Still from When the Light Breaks – Sophia Olsson.
Photo of Rúnar Rúnarsson – Claudia Hausfeld.