Heart of Lightness (2014): The Challenge of Filming in Eternal Light

The film Heart of Lightness (2014), also known by its original Norwegian title Søvnløs i Lofoten, was filmed in the Lofoten archipelago in Northern Norway, located within the Arctic Circle. This is an area famous for the phenomenon of “the sun never sets” in the summer, creating 24-hour daylight. This provided a unique and challenging setting for the film crew.

Filming Location: Lofoten – The Land of Eternal Light
Lofoten is known for its majestic natural landscape, including fjords, high rocky mountains and crystal clear blue seas. In the summer, this area experiences the phenomenon of “the sun never sets”, where sunlight lasts 24 hours a day. This was one of the main factors that attracted the film crew here, to take advantage of the unique natural light to create impressive scenes.

Difficulties during filming
Filming in continuous daylight posed many challenges for the film crew. Constant light can disrupt the circadian rhythm of the crew members, leading to fatigue and difficulty in maintaining energy and concentration. In addition, controlling the light in the scenes also became more complicated, requiring careful adjustments in filming techniques and lighting to ensure image quality.

Actors’ feelings

The actors in the film, including Sam Heughan, Laura Donnelly and Rosie Day, shared their unique experiences working in Lofoten. They expressed surprise and delight at the natural beauty of the area, as well as the challenges of working in constant light conditions. The combination of stunning scenery and harsh working environments made for a memorable experience and contributed to the authentic portrayal of the film’s characters.