Film No. 45. WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS (LJOBROT). Palace Aust. Scandinavian Film Festival (2024). 15th July.

 

Film No. 45  (2023)  July 15th.  6:30 PM  PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 6, Perth City.

"When I'm back tomorrow evening, I'm going to break-up with Klara." (Didi makes a commitment to his new love Una. A commitment which cuts to the heart of what lies ahead).

NOMINEE:  Un Certain Regard (Runar Runarsson) Cannes FF (2024).

Does LJOBROT (WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS) present a text book example of why the first 10 minutes of a film sets up its audience for a dramatically, riveting experience? Yes, and the set up is such a quietly staged scene, on the rocks of a Reykjavik beach.

Any film chosen to open the prestigious Un Certain Regard strand at Cannes, is often a film of unique quality. WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS deserved its place here. The 24 hours we spend in the hands of both director Runar Runarsson and her lead Elin Hall (playing art student Una) gives an insight into young love and how an event of the worst kind, changes everything. The unresolved issues which accompany this event make for an unrelenting day for Una. Will this make or break her vulnerable soul?

Digital technology is the revolution that has brought the Icelandic film industry to the rest of the world. Runarsson (SPARROWS) exemplifies the naturalistic compassion he, along with the likes of Hakonarson (RAMS) and Kormakar (REYKJAVIK), bring to international festivals.  10GUMS.