Hlynur Pálmason's 'El amor que permanece' Premieres at Cannes, San Sebastián

Icelandic filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason's fourth feature, 'El amor que permanece' (The Love That Remains), had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and its national premiere in the Perlak section of the San Sebastián International Film Festival. The film, a contemporary family drama, marks a departure from his previous work 'Godland' (2022), which followed a Danish priest's journey through 19th-century Iceland. Instead, Pálmason explores the intimate universe of a contemporary family navigating separation. Set against the changing Icelandic rural landscape, the story unfolds over a year as a couple with three young children separates. The director, who lives in Iceland, integrated his own three children and his dog Panda into the film. He emphasizes the importance of small, intimate things—family, nature, home—over grand political narratives. The film is described as a dreamlike, flowing exploration of everyday life, family bonds, and the bittersweet nature of love. It stars Sverrir Gudnason, Saga Gardasdóttir, Ida Mekkin, Grimur Hlynsson, and Porgils Hlynsson. Cinematography is by Pálmason himself, with music by Harry Hunt and editing by Julius Krebs. Produced by Frosti Fridriksson, the film is a co-production between Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and France, running 109 minutes. Pálmason's previous works include short films and features, and he sees this film as a natural continuation of his exploration of family themes.