Cannes’ Un Certain Regard Movie ‘When The Light Breaks’ by Oscar-Nominated Icelandic Director Rúnar Rúnarsson Sells Widely (EXCLUSIVE)
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Rolling off its buzzy world premiere at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, Oscar-nominated Icelandic filmmaker Rúnar Rúnarsson’s poignant drama “When The Light Breaks” has sold to a raft of territories.
Represented in international markets by The Party Film Sales, the movie has been picked up for Italy (Movies Inspired), Switzerland (Xenix), Norway (Arthaus), Denmark (Ost for Paradis), Finland (Cinemanse), Hungary (Vertigo), Greece (Cinobo), Israel (New Cinema), Poland (Aurora), Turkey (Bir Film) and Baltics (Estofilm). Cherry Pickers will release the film in Benelux, while Jour2fête will handle French theatrical distribution. The Party Film Sales is negotiating several deals.
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As previously announced, The Party Film Sales is also selling Rúnarsson’s short film “O” which has just been completed.
While pitching the project at Goteborg Film Festival‘s work-in-progress showcase, Rúnarsson said he inspired by a personal event for “When the Light Breaks”. “Ever since experiencing the loss of a friend as a young man, I wanted to deal with the emotions I experienced the day it happened by telling a universal story. Another recent loss in my life re-awoke that urge, and the storyline became more concrete,” Rúnarsson said.
The director produced the film with Heather Millard of Iceland’s Compass Films, in co-production with local banner Halibut, Holland’s Revolver, France’s Eaux Vives/Jour2Fête and Croatia’s MP Film.
Rúnarsson broke through internationally in 2008 with his Oscar-nominated short “Two Birds.” He went on to direct Cannes Directors’ Fortnight 2011 entry “Volcano,” San Sebastian 2015 winner “Sparrows “ and 2019 Valladolid and Lübeck fest winner “Echo.”
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