UPDATE: Helen Walsh’s highly anticipated film On the Sea has just premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, showcasing her return to the festival where she made her debut in 2015. This intimate drama, produced by Red Union Films, was crafted for under £1 million ($1.36 million) and is already generating buzz in competition for the prestigious Sean Connery Prize.
Walsh, a celebrated novelist-turned-director, emphasizes the importance of setting in her storytelling. “Place is always my starting point. It’s an active force that shapes and informs our identities right throughout our lives,” she said. On the Sea takes viewers into the world of a small fishing village, exploring themes of family, community, and personal identity through the eyes of Jack, played by Barry Ward, who grapples with a mid-life revelation that could alter everything he holds dear.
The film features a talented cast, including Lorne MacFadyen and Liz White, and was shaped by a collaborative spirit among the production team. Producer David Moores noted, “We had a really strong script and Helen had found the perfect chemistry in Barry Ward and Lorne MacFadyen.” The team opted to shoot on a tight schedule to ensure the core cast remained available, demonstrating a commitment to authenticity and connection with the local community.
Walsh’s journey to create On the Sea began with extensive location scouting across Scotland, ultimately leading her to the mussel beds of the Menai Strait. “From the moment I saw the beds, I knew I had to write about them. It’s a vanishing tradition,” she explained. By embedding herself in the community, Walsh aimed to authentically represent the lives of those working the sea, employing local extras and immersing herself in the daily rhythms of the village life.
The film’s visual storytelling is equally compelling, characterized by close-ups that convey Jack’s emotional turmoil. “Most of the first half is in close-up, to create Jack’s claustrophobia in this enclosed, oppressive landscape,” Walsh described. As the narrative unfolds, the arrival of Daniel, played by MacFadyen, introduces a shift in Jack’s world, challenging his long-held beliefs and prompting him to confront suppressed truths.
One of the film’s most poignant moments, a subtle act of kindness between Jack and his son’s girlfriend, emerged during the editing process. Walsh recognized the need to infuse hope into Jack’s journey, stating, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when we filmed it.” This emotional depth is heightened by Ward’s powerful performance, which Walsh credits as crucial to the film’s impact.
With sales handled by The Yellow Affair, On the Sea is poised to make waves in the international film scene. Walsh, reflecting on her motivations, stated, “I wanted to make a film about courage and hope.” As audiences experience this deeply personal narrative, it is clear that Walsh’s connection to her subject matter resonates profoundly, bringing to light the complexities of masculinity and identity in a changing world.
As the festival unfolds, the spotlight remains on Helen Walsh and her evocative portrayal of resilience in On the Sea. The film’s premiere marks a significant moment in Walsh’s career, further establishing her as a vital voice in contemporary cinema. Stay tuned for more updates as the festival continues.
