Synopsis
On Achill, an Irish island populated mainly by sheep, Cian, a young teenager, hopes to spend the summer vacations with his friends. But for Martin, his grandfather, it’s time to introduce him to farm work.
A word from Tënk
This is an observational documentary that follows a grandfather and his grandson. The camera is calm and curious as they walk through the rugged countryside, with Cian learning to guide the dog and care for the sheep. While their conversations can sometimes seem rough, it’s clear at every moment that they have a deep mutual affection and a strong bond. Martin is happy to pass on his knowledge, and Cian, through working with the sheep, gains a confidence far greater than scoring a goal on the football field. The Swiss directing duo combines breathtaking shots of the storm-swept island landscape with Irish humor and a keen observation of both human and animal characters. The result is a coming-of-age story that captivates, enhanced by exceptional sound and a stunning score. A documentary gem that you wish could last for 90 minutes.
Luc-Carolin Ziemann
Film programmer, author and trainer