Rúnar Rúnarsson’s latest film, “When the Light Breaks,” has found distribution in major markets around the world ahead of its North American premiere. The drama tells a universal story about loss and transformation through its main character Una, played by Elín Hall. Shot on film, the movie draws from Rúnarsson’s own experiences with grief.
The film first screened at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where it received critical acclaim. Since then, distribution deals have brought the movie to audiences in key territories like Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Taiwan, Australia, and Brazil. Paris-based sales company The Party Film Sales secured these agreements.
This international success underscores Rúnarsson’s growing reputation as a director. His past works such as 2011’s “Volcano” and award-winning “Sparrows” and “Echo” have earned him praise on the festival circuit. “When the Light Breaks” marks his fourth full-length feature.
The movie will focus on themes the director has contemplated for years. “Ever since losing a friend as a young man, I wanted to tell a story about those emotions,” Rúnarsson told Variety. “Another recent loss made the story feel more real.”
Audiences will have their first chance to view “When the Light Breaks” at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it will screen as part of the Contemporary World Cinema program. The film has already been shown at other prestigious festivals like Cannes, Karlovy Vary, and Munich.
With distribution in many territories worldwide, along with critical acclaim and personal importance to its director, “When the Light Breaks” appears poised to share Rúnarsson’s universal message about grief with global audiences.
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