In Icelandic director Rúnar Rúnarsson’s (Sparrow, PSIFF 2016; Volcano, PSIFF 2012) surprising and sublime third feature, the main character is nothing less than all of contemporary Icelandic society. As the country prepares for Christmas, a peculiar atmosphere descends on the country, revealing both excitement and concern. In the country, an abandoned farm burns. In a school, a children’s choir sings carols. In a slaughterhouse, chickens squawk along a beam. In a museum, a mother argues with her ex-husband over the phone. In a living room, a young girl encourages her grandmother to try on her new virtual reality headset. Through 56 short scenes, Echo draws a portrait, both harsh and compassionate, of modern Iceland.

Winner, Youth Jury Award, Locarno; Best Director, Valladolid