Roots of a Man (2005)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Directors:

Jeff Campagna
Matthew Campagna

Writers:

Jeff Campagna (co-writer)
Matthew Campagna (co-writer)

Genre:

Documentary

Tagline:

A Journey through the lands of the Clan O'Dochartaigh

Plot:

here is a place in the hills of Northwest Ireland, a land called Inishowen, where the Clan O'Dochartaigh once held unshakeable sway...

Cast

Jeff Campagna	...	Himself
Dan Wooster	...	Cahir Rua O'Dogherty
Mike Pehlivan	...	Phelimy McDevitt
Matthew Campagna	...	Sucat / St. Patrick
Anastasia Tubanos	...	Coniall
Tania Lacaria	...	Enda
Laurence Correa	...	Farmer
Mike Winstanley	...	Assassin

Runtime:

Canada:61 min (DVD version)

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Filming Locations:

County Donegal, Ireland

Company:

Internext Studios

Trivia:

Some of the historical flashback footage was shot in the lobby of a restaurant that Jeff Campagna managed as a chef. It was shot through the middle of the night when the restaurant was closed.

Quotes:

Jeff Campagna: Whosoever asks me of my birth, I will tell them: I am born of Irish princes who ruled in Donegal a thousand years ago; that I am a descendent of the high-kings of Ireland; and my name is from the clann O'Dochartaigh.

Beautiful Cinematography and an Insightful Story

Roots of a Man is a story about identity, self-discovery, and the desire to be part of something bigger than yourself. We follow Jeff Campagna on a journey to Ireland where he meets up with various locals and historians and discovers the rich past of the Dogherty's - a past he never knew he was a part of.

The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and the D.O.P has an excellent eye for picking out breath-taking and memorable shots. And the historical re-enactments add a haunting flavour to the doc, bringing the viewer even deeper into this tale. Technically speaking, it was very well edited and the music that was chosen suited the tone of the doc perfectly.

Although at first glance you might think this tale is specific to the Dogherty Clan, it's a heartfelt story that speaks to many of us whose parents or grandparents have immigrated and settled in another country and leave us searching to our roots for a real sense of identity and belonging.

A great job by the Campagna brothers and I look forward to seeing their next venture!