ALLAN HUNTER at the Movies

SEACHD is a substantial landmark in the history of Gaelic culture on screen. It may not be the first Gaelic language feature film but it is the first one that will travel the world and appear at a multiplex near you.

First shown in Skye as the opening night presentation of the Celtic Film Festival in March, its international reputation has grown steadily since a market appearance in Cannes last May. Later this month it will compete at the Rome FIlm Festival.

‘Seachd’ is a labour of love; a stunningly beautiful valentine to the spectacular landscapes of Skye and to the rich storytelling traditions of Gaelic folk tales. It is also a triumph for Skye-based producer Chris Young who has taken a modest budget and created a film that is truly cinematic and worthy of its status on the big screen.

The main story tells of a young boy, Aonghas, who is devastated by the death of his parents in a climbing accident. He is left to the tender mercies of his grandfather, gracefully played by poet and storyteller Aonghas Padraig Caimbeul.

The boy comes to resent everything about his island home and culture. It is left to the grandfather to try and win him over with tall tales of Spanish buccaneers, the Clearances, a snowdrop that holds the secret of life and much more.

The Black Cuillins of Skye are the star attraction of ‘Seachd’. There are some reservations about the narrative, pacing and a sense of drama that seems lacking in variety and colour, but these are small criticisms of a film that provides a feast for the eyes and some stirring nourishment for the soul.

Selected nationwide release

Director: Simon Miller
Stars: Aonghas Padraig Caimbeul, Iseabail NicRath, Crisdean Domhnallach, Winnie Brook Young, Calum MacFhionghain
Screenwriters: Jo Cockwell, SImon Miller, Ishbel T MacDonald, Iain F MacLeod, Aonghas MacNeacail
Certificate: U
Running time: 91 mins
Country: UK
Year: 2007

© Allan Hunter, 2007