NOR26 A Light That Never Goes Out

Written and directed by Finnish screenwriter Lauri-Matti Parppei in his feature directorial debut, and loaded with deadpan humour, A Light That Never Goes Out is a charming and tender feel-good drama about the power of music and community. After a breakdown, 29-year-old classical flute player Pauli returns from Helsinki to his small Finnish hometown to recuperate at his parents' house. Unable to play his instrument, he struggles with feelings of failure. Then Pauli runs into Iiris, an old classmate who still lives in town and makes experimental music by herself. Iiris tries to persuade him that they should make music together, as she is convinced that by joining forces, they would be able to create something completely new and unique. Her chaotic energy fascinates Pauli, who has been striving for perfection and avoided mistakes all his life. Soon, little by little he starts finding new comfort and solace in their weird sonic experiments. But, as old pressures resurface, Pauli faces difficult choices about his future and the friendships that have given him new hope.