Ljósbrot

When the Light Breaks | Wenn das Licht zerbricht

WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS follows a day in the life of Una, a young art student unexpectedly faced with the loss of her lover Diddi. Or rather: her secret lover. He died in a devastating tunnel fire as he was on his way to break off his relationship with his ‘official’ girlfriend. Does this crushing secret get in the way of Una truly grieving? When she meets Diddi's girlfriend, who of course knows nothing of their dastardly relationship, director Rúnar Rúnarsson captures the subtle tensions and quiet moments of recognition between the two women. Without falling into melodrama, the Icelandic drama paints an intense picture of grief, connection and the complex dynamics between love and loss. (Film Fest Gent)

Director's Filmography (Selection)
Ljósbrot (When the Light Breaks, 2024) - Echo (2019) - Sparrows (2015) - Volcano (2011) - Anna (2009, short) - 2 Birds (2008, short) - The Last Farm (2006, short)
YAAAS! Competition 2025
Rúnar Rúnarsson
Island / Netherlands / Croatia / France 2024
color
82 minutes
Icelandic
OV with German subtitles / OV with English subtitles

Screenings / Tickets


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Screenplay Rúnar Rúnarsson
Cinematography Sophia Olsson
Editing Andri Steinn Guðjónsson
Sound/Sounddesign Ranko Paukovic
Music Jóhann Jóhannsson
With Elín Hall, Katla Njálsdóttir, Ágúst Wigum, Miakel Kaaber, Baldur Einarsson, Gunnar Hrafn Kristjánsson
Producer(s) Heather Millard, Rúnar Rúnarsson, Raymond van der Kaaij, Igor A. Nola, Mike Downey, Xenia Maingot, Sarah Chazelle
Production
Compass Films, Revolver Amsterdam, MP Filmska Produkcija, Eaux Vives Productions, Jour2Fête
World Sales
The Party Film Sales
Austrian Premiere
Austrian Rights
Polyfilm
World Premiere
Cannes Film Festival 2024
Tags
Coming-of-Age, LGBTIQA+, Grief