In a remote Icelandic fishing village, teenage boys Þór and Kristján experience a turbulent summer of emotional discovery and sexual awakening. As one tries to win the heart of a girl, the other begins to recognise new feelings toward his best friend. As summer ends, and harshness of Icelandic nature starts to reassert itself, the time has come to leave the playground and face adulthood.

National Jury's motivation: Heartstone is a coming-of-age story that takes place one summer in a small fishing village in Iceland. Teenagers Þór and Kristján enjoy the simple outdoor pleasures typical of the light Icelandic summer nights – fishing, camping, meeting girls. The story revolves around a deep, loving friendship – and possible sexual tension – between the two boys.

The director, Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson, has a relaxed, naturalistic style. While the fjords and green vistas of Eastern Iceland provide a stunning backdrop, they don’t overshadow the narrative or its intense focus on the boys’ experiences. Remarkably strong performances by Baldur Einarsson and Blær Hinriksson further emphasise the film’s unusually delicate strength.

National Jury members: Silja Hauksdóttir, Börkur Gunnarsson, Helga Þórey Jónsdóttir

For full press release, production notes and high res photos of director, producer and poster see Press kit. The information is available in the Nordic languages and English.