The Wicker Tree is a film adaptation of Robin Hardy’s 2006 novel, Cowboys for Christ, and contains similar elements to his 1973 film The Wicker Man, but it is neither a sequel nor a remake of that film.

The film focuses on Texas pop star turned gospel singer, Beth (Brittania Nicol) and her boyfriend, Steve (Henry Garrett), both devout evangelical Christians sent on a mission to spread the word of God to the people of Scotland.  Beth and Steve decide to begin their preaching at the May Day celebrations in the village. In an attempt to impress the locals, they agree to becoming the local Queen of the May and the Laddie for the festival, not realising the consequences of their decision and what awaits them.

Robin Hardy began his directorial career in Canada and the US, where he was mainly involved in making television drama. In the 1960’s he returned to London and became involved in making commercials and informational films for the company Hardy Shaffer Ferguson Avery, which Hardy formed with writer Anthony Shaffer.

As a result of this partnership, the two men were involved in the creation and production of Hardy’s feature debut, the pagan horror masterpiece The Wicker Man. Although now considered a classic (at the time, its star Christopher Lee regarded it as his finest work), the film suffered after its producers made extensive cuts. Thanks partly to the subsequent disappearance of the original negative, it took nearly thirty years for the full-length version to be released in Britain.

Lisa Ward, Marketing Officer at Shetland Arts, said: “This is a unique opportunity to see a new film by celebrated director and writer Robin Hardy. I expect there will be a lot of interest in the screening.”

The screening is free of charge but Shetland Arts strongly recommends booking tickets to ensure a seat. Tickets can be booked through Shetland Box Office online at http://www.shetlandboxoffice.org or by calling 01595 745 555.

B4films announced today their delight that Shetlander George Stroud, CEO of Marin Subsea has injected a six-figure sum of money into the Shetland based feature film, Between Weathers.

The Ellon based entrepreneur was captivated by the story, written by Jim Brown and Marc Pye and was really excited about a movie being shot in the beautiful Shetland Isles.

George Stroud, “I have always had strong links with Shetland.  I heard about Between Weathers and having pondered the question for some time about how I could put something back into the community, I got in touch with B4 Films and Jim Brown.  I invited Jim and his team to my offices and we started to explore the possibilities of working together.  I think this is a brilliant way to invest in Shetland and Scottish business.   I couldn’t think of a better way to give something back to Shetland, a place I regard as home.   I have been looking for local community based projects to invest in and this one stood out above the rest.   I believe that Jim, his team at B4films and their special partnership with Shetland Arts have the right formula, a formula that will help bring a bright creative future to the Shetland Isles and leave a brilliant legacy”.

George Stroud (left) and Jim Brown. Image © B4FILMS

Between Weathers Writer and director Jim Brown said that he went to meet George because he sounded so enthused about the idea. “Money was never mentioned at our first meeting, we had a great lunch and George spoke passionately about Shetland and how it held such a special place in his heart.  His love for the place was infectious.  It was only after another couple of meetings that George said that he would like to invest in the film.  This social investment mirrors the narrative of the film perfectly.  It’s about putting something back into the North of Scotland and Shetland.  We thank George very much for this investment, an investment that will be instrumental in putting Shetland on the Global map”.

Shetland Arts has been working closely with B4Films for over 2 years to develop the films relationship with Shetland and the legacy the film will create. Shetland Arts with B4Films secured an initial £50,000 investment from Creative Scotland to develop a new social investment model to fund the film. The model is the first of its kind in the world and is set to dramatically change how major feature films could be financed in the future.

Gwilym Gibbons Director of Shetland Arts and Executive Producer, Between Weathers said: “The model was inspired both by the narrative of the film and Shetland’s proud track record of securing community benefit from those using Shetland as a location for big business, not least the deals made in the 70′s around the oil industry. The obvious difference being that Jim Brown and his team at B4Films were immediately receptive to the idea of building on the very essence of movie, by funding as much of the film as possible through social investors who wanted to leave a lasting benefit for the Shetland community”.

Gwilym Gibbons added, “Between Weathers is not just about making a great film, it’s about changing lives and transforming the economic future of a small island community.  This first significant sum of ‘social investment’ will generate a number of advantages, not least that the approach ensures the film’s underlying social purpose is protected by ‘asset locking’ a percentage of IP and profits for re-investment into Shetland’s creative community. On behalf of the Shetland community and the generations to come who will benefit from the legacy for Shetland, Between Weathers will create; I wish to thank George for his generous support. I have never met someone before with such passion, vision and desire to put something back into their community and home”.

Between Weathers

Between Weathers on FaceBook

Big Oil. Small Village

On 29th June, 2005, five men from the township of Rossport, Co. Mayo, were imprisoned for 94 days for defying a court injunction allowing Shell Oil workers to enter their land to lay a high pressure, raw gas pipeline close to their homes. It was their contention that the Irish state had subverted the constitutional rights of its citizens in order to facilitate Shell to ‘grab’ tracts of farmland against the wishes of the landowners. In a land where the memory of British landlords survives in the psyche, Shell’s attempt to force through the pipe evoked huge emotion. The community reacted against what they saw as an aggressive ‘invasion’ from outside by blockading Shell’s multi-billion euro refinery and pipeline, bringing the project to a complete halt. The saga proved to be a public relations disaster for Shell around the world.

Within a year the Irish government sent a force of over 200 police to this tiny community to break the blockade and facilitate the resumption of work on the project. In an area which previously had only one policeman, this forced removal of local people from the gates of the refinery set in train a cycle of conflict which goes on to this day.

The Pipe follows three members of this small community from a quiet rural life to the arrival of Shell into their community, and the fear and anxiety which the impending project brings. Not only are they flung into a tumultuous struggle with Shell and the state, but they are also forced to battle with elements within their own campaign who seek to divide and control, as their community is torn apart by the stresses of choosing to support or oppose the oil company. Yet, despite the seriousness of the events surrounding them, their resilience and humanity never wanes, and even in their darkest moments their wit and humour has an uncanny ability to counter the despair.

The film carries a ‘15’ certificate and tickets are available from Shetland Box Office, online at www.shetlandboxoffice.org , or by telephone on 01595 745555. Alternatively tickets can be bought in person at Shetland Box Office at Islesburgh Community Centre, online at www.shetlandboxoffice.org, by telephone on 01595 745555, or on the door on Saturday at the Museum.

Take One Action Film Festival

Take One Action’s screenings are followed by audience discussion with local enthusiasts on subjects ranging from climate change to the Middle East conflict, crucially touching on what ordinary Shetlanders can do to make a difference.

In support of Take One Action, Shetland Film Club and Shetland Arts will host a screening Budrus at the Shetland Museum and Archives on Friday 4th March at 7.30pm, and No Impact Man on Saturday 5th March at 7.30pm.

Described by the New York Times as “the must-see documentary of the year”, Budrus describes the work of Ayed Morrar, an unlikely community organiser, who unites Palestinians and Israelis in an unarmed struggle to save the olive groves of his village from an Israeli security, or separation, fence. Victory seems improbable until his 15-year-old daughter, Iltezam, launches a women’s contingent that quickly moves to the front lines. In the process, they unleash an inspiring yet little-known movement in the West Bank that is still gaining ground today. The film carries a PG certificate.

No Impact Man (cert 15), described by the Los Angeles Times as “terrifically entertaining, compelling and extremely funny”, invites you to imagine going a year without toilet paper, TV, coffee, a refrigerator and many other creature comforts we take for granted. In 2008, guilty Manhattanite Colin Beavan, wife Michele, their 2-year-old daughter and their dog embark on a year-long crusade to drastically reduce their carbon foot and paw prints. Hilarity, compromise and hard lessons ensue…But which way do the real solutions lie?

Festival patrons Ken Loach and Glasgow-based screenwriter Paul Laverty said “”These are fantastic films, and Take One Action’s focus on empowering local audiences to engage with global and environmental issues through them is unique in the UK.”

Festival director, Simon Bateson, who will be in attendance, said “Films really can change the world, but only when audiences share ideas for action together and decide to become part of the story. That’s what Take One Action is all about.”

So if you want a different kind of cinema this March, Shetland is the place to be.

Shetland Film Club gratefully acknowledges the support of Shetland Arts, the Shetland Arts Fund and UNISON (Local Government) for this project. Tickets, which cost £6 and £4 (concessions), are available on the door and from Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre, 01595 745555 or online at www.shetlandboxoffice.org.

Notes to editors

1. Tickets will be available at www.shetlandboxoffice.org or on the door. For more information on the programme, visit www.takeoneaction.org.uk or www.facebook.com/takeoneaction

2. The tour is supported by Regional Screen Scotland, The Co-operative, and ethical film distributor Dogwoof. Locally the tour is supported by Shetland Film Club and Shetland Arts.
3. There are a number of free tickets available to Co-operative Members who email their preferred film, venue and membership number to info@takeoneaction.org.uk

Bricks in Flicks

This screening is part of the ‘Power of Place’, Shetland’s year long celebration of architecture and place.

Shetland Film Club gratefully acknowledges financial assistance from Shetland Arts and Shetland Charitable Trust.

This screening is part of the ‘Power of Place’, Shetland’s year long celebration of architecture and place, and tickets are available on the door at £4.50 (£3.50 concessions).

Frank Gehry

Portage: Finger Symbols, an exhibition exploring rings and finger ornaments, curated by Mary Smith can be seen at Bonhoga Gallery, Weisdale, Shetland from 7 August to 5 September.  The exhibition shows contemporary work created by emerging and established international makers and also features photography by Chloe Garrick and a film by Jono Sandilands.  The film can also be viewed online after 6 August 2010 and will be Shetland Arts’ first online exhibition.

The exhibition opening is at 7.30pm on 6 August and an invitation is extended to all to come along.

A DVD catalogue of the work by over 50 makers, essays and the innovative film of the jewellery will be available from Bonhoga Gallery.  This format was thought to be particularly appropriate for the theme of Portage – a considerable amount of information contained within a small object.

To accompany the exhibition there will be two workshops by Glasgow based jeweller Alison Macleod.  A ring workshop entitled Binding Memories will be held on 14 August and a Laminating workshop using laminated papers to create necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc will take place on 15 August.  Both will be held in the Learning Room at Shetland Museum and Archives and bookings can be made by contacting Shetland Box Office on 01595745555.  Alison will give a presentation and talk about her work in Bonhoga Gallery at 7pm on 17 August.  This event is free and an invitation is extended to all.

More information –  Alison Macleod Workshops

Also appearing will be film critic, Mark Kermode, who with Linda Ruth Williams will curate Screenplay, the film festival which will be based in the Garrison Theatre and will run from Tuesday, August 31^st through to Sunday 5^th September and will feature actor Jason Isaacs and a wide variety of films, including work by local film makers. Further information about both festivals will be published in due course.

Wordplay – More information and full programme

Screenplay – More information and full programme

For up to date film information see our Films @ The Garrison Theatre page
(http://www.shetlandarts.org/whats-on/garrison-film)

Or, buy tickets online now at http://www.shetlandboxoffice.org/

All the films will be introduced by festival director Lizzie Bisschoff, who will also give an introductory talk on the Friday evening. In addition, Lizzie Bisschoff will conduct a Q and A session at the end of Bamako on Saturday evening.

Films to be screened in Lerwick include the documentary Like A Man on Earth, made by a young man who fled Ethiopia to escape violent political repression, showing the tremendous struggles and suffering borne by refugees; Tilai (The Law) made by the acclaimed African director Idrissa Ouedraogo, which is the story of an illicit love affair and its consequences for a small village in Burkina Faso, and Bamako, an offbeat, satirical comedy written and directed by Abderrahmane Sissako, in which the director imagines how it would be if Western powers were forced to answer for the damage they have done in the Third World; in the courtyard of a shared house in a village in Mali, African civil society spokesmen decide to take proceedings against the World Bank and the IMF, whilst all around them, village life goes on.

There will also be a free programme of short, animated films for children and young people on Saturday, to which adults are also welcome!

Stuart Hubbard from Shetland Film Club said that the club was delighted to be able to assist in bringing African film to a wider audience. “As part of our outreach partnership work with Shetland Arts, we feel this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the film makers of Africa, who rarely make it to the screen in the UK.” This leg of the festival has also been supported by Unison (Health Branch) and Shetland Amnesty International Group. The Film Club outreach work is funded by Shetland Arts, the Shetland Charitable Trust’s Arts Fund and by the Co-op Community Fund.

Tickets will be on sale from the Shetland Box office at Islesburgh from Monday 2nd November onwards, tel. 01595 745555. For those over 15 years old there is a festival ticket costing £10 (£7 concessions) which will get you in to all screenings and talks. Otherwise, individual tickets cost £4 (£3 concessions) and the young people’s animation session is free.

For further information contact Kathy Hubbard at Shetland Arts on 01595 743843 or e-mail kathy.hubbard@shetlandarts.org or Stuart Hubbard at Shetland Film Club on 01950 477235, e-mail skhubbard@btinternet.com.