UPDATE: Helen Walsh’s highly anticipated film “On the Sea” has officially premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival today, October 10, 2023. This intimate drama, which showcases the complexities of identity and community, is already generating buzz as it competes for the prestigious Sean Connery Prize.
“Place is always my starting point,” Walsh stated, emphasizing the profound influence of location on personal narratives. Her film, produced for under £1 million ($1.36 million), delves into the life of Jack, portrayed by Barry Ward, a mussel bed worker confronting long-buried truths in a small fishing village.
The film explores Jack’s journey as he navigates his life with wife Maggie, played by Liz White, and their son, while facing the arrival of deckhand Daniel, played by Lorne MacFadyen. “I wanted to make a film about a good man who risks everything mid-life to live his truth,” Walsh explained, underscoring the film’s emotional depth.
Walsh, known for her award-winning debut “The Violators,” returned to Edinburgh after earning recognition as a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit. “On the Sea” is a testament to her dedication to capturing real-life stories grounded in local culture. The director spent years researching, from Oban to the Isle of Man, before discovering the mussel men of the Menai Strait. “It’s a vanishing tradition,” she described, highlighting the resilience of these fishermen who continue their work despite economic challenges.
With a focus on authenticity, Walsh embedded herself in the community, sourcing local extras and spending significant time on the mussel beds. “When you first fetch up somewhere, you’re imposing your own mythologies. Spending time there strips that away,” she noted. The film’s unique visual language was developed in collaboration with cinematographer Sam Goldie, utilizing close-ups to symbolize Jack’s claustrophobia in his environment.
Despite budget constraints, Walsh’s team embraced a “guerrilla” approach to filmmaking, resulting in a powerful narrative that resonates with audiences. Producer David Moores praised the film’s tight shooting schedule, stating, “We had a really strong script, and Helen found the perfect chemistry in our cast.”
“On the Sea” also tackles themes of prejudice and masculinity, offering a nuanced depiction of the community it represents. Walsh believes that female directors can provide fresh perspectives, stating, “I think female directors can open up spaces for more nuanced depictions of masculinity. The tide is turning.”
As the film aims to shed light on resilience and hope, Walsh reflected on her own upbringing in a small town similar to Jack’s. “I understand why he made the choices he made,” she concluded. “I wanted to make a film about courage and hope.”
With its world premiere underway, “On the Sea” is poised to leave a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. The film, handled by sales agency The Yellow Affair, promises to be a significant addition to the film festival circuit. Stay tuned for more updates as the competition unfolds.
