I saw Blackbird on a whim, drawn in by the few words in the programme, at the 2013 Edinburgh International Film Festival. I fell in love (and not just because my friend brought white jazzies to the screening.) It is a beautiful film. Slighty unearthly yet firmly rooted. Soulful film-making with a wonderful, committed cast. The beauty of The Machars and of the folk music inhabit and inform all the film's characters but there is no dull worthiness to the film's exploration of tradition and heritage. Rather an exuberance, a playfulness, but not one shy of pain. This film and, in particular, the central character of Ruadhan, make me think of the lyrics of another 'Blackbird' - You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
Review of Blackbird
