Rúnar Rúnarsson

Rúnar Rúnarsson (born 20 January 1977) is an Icelandic screenwriter and film director whose career has spanned more than two decades, beginning with short experimental works in the mid‑1990s. After studying at the National Film School of Denmark, from which he graduated in 2009, he quickly established himself as a master of concise storytelling, earning the reputation of being the most awarded short‑film director worldwide with over ninety international accolades. His early shorts such as Klósettmenning, Lífsg(æði), and the Oscar‑nominated The Last Farm showcased his skill in blending stark realism with poetic nuance, while later pieces like Two Birds and Anna reinforced his talent for extracting profound emotional depth from minimalist narratives. In addition to his award‑winning shorts, Rúnarsson has contributed to documentary filmmaking, producing works like Rætur and Leitin að Rajeev, which further demonstrate his versatile visual language and keen interest in human experience. Throughout his career he has been honored with significant recognitions, including the prestigious Edda Award for Best Director, and he continues to be celebrated for his relentless pursuit of cinematic authenticity.

His feature‑film debut Volcano (2011) marked a transition from short form to longer narratives, gaining critical praise for its intimate portrayal of familial bonds. The subsequent film Sparrows (2015) earned him the Silver Hugo for Best New Director at the Chicago International Film Festival, cementing his status on the global stage. Echo (2019) competed at the Locarno Film Festival, and When the Light Breaks (2024) opened the Un Certain Regard section in Cannes, later winning the Dragon Award for Best Nordic Film at the Göteborg Film Festival in 2025. Rúnarsson’s evolving oeuvre reflects a deep commitment to exploring the subtleties of everyday life, making him a pivotal contemporary voice in Icelandic and international cinema.