When the Light Breaks

Part of CINECITY 2024

Oscar-nominated director Rúnar Rúnarsson showcases the majesty of his native Iceland in this heartbreaking tale of coming-of-age through grief, set over 24 hours in Reykjavík.

As the film opens, Una (Elín Hall), a twenty-something art student, is enjoying a glowing sunset with her lover Diddi. Everything is idyllic and calm, yet this peaceful state won’t last. When Una wakes up the next morning, she learns about a horrific road accident that took place overnight. Diddi is presumed among the fatalities. Una is not alone in her shock and grief though, as Diddi’s girlfriend Klara is on her way to Reykjavík… Over the course of the day, Una must navigate bereavement, jealousy and her own secret love affair, the subtleties of which are explored with sensitivity and depth by the film’s script.

Shot on 16mm to fully capture the spectacular beauty of the landscape, When the Light Breaks is an extraordinarily delicate piece of filmmaking, anchored by Elín Hall’s moving central performance.