SYNOPSIS

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Young ballad singer, Ruadhan, despairs as the fabric of his Scottish hometown erodes. There are no fish in the sea, no jobs and a steady exodus to the city. Life as he loves it is slipping away and Ruadhan's idol, town bard Alec, has little stomach to fight the change.

 

Long time best pal, Calum, and returning childhood friend, Amy, spark Ruadhan's struggle to keep the past alive. When Alec takes off to a retirement home in mysterious circumstances, Ruadhan must act quickly to save him and protect the town he loves. As his battle spirals out of control, it becomes Ruadhan who needs saving.

 

Haunted by the songs and traditions of the past, Blackbird is a story of loss all too familiar across Scotland. Featuring legendary Scottish performers Norman Maclean and Sheila Stewart, alongside up and coming talent, Blackbird brings Scottish stars of past and future to the big screen.

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ABOUT

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Blackbird was directed by Jamie Chambers, produced and released by Transgressive North with Deerstalker Films, and premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival to critical acclaim. One of a handful of films to be awarded ‘Best of the Fest’, Blackbird spread its wings for the worldwide premiere at the International Festival of Mannheim-Heiderlberg. Nominated for a Scottish BAFTA Audience Award, Blackbird has been hailed for bringing Scottish folklore to a new generation. A rich, delicate, and powerful film, Blackbird's soundtrack features traditional ballads alongside the work of the late Martyn Bennett.

 

 

REVIEWS

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"The camera keeps being distracted, Malick-style, by the natural beauty of Ruadhan's disappearing world"

The Guardian

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"Lyrical Scottish drama, the elegantly staged Blackbird is about the passing of the old ways...beautifully shot"

Screen Daily

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