Song of Granite is a biopic directed by Pat Collins screening at the Irish Film Festival. From a documentary background, Collins mixes in archival video footage and audio with the narrative to tell the story of sean nós singer Joe Heaney in this moving film.
Sean nós (old – style) is a form of traditional Irish singing that has been passed on from each generation.
The cinematography is stunning from Richard Kendrick (who also has another film in the festival, The Lodgers) – filmed in black and white, it captures the beauty of Ireland.
The film covers three aspects of Heaney’s life. Míchéal Ó Confhaola is outstanding who plays Heaney in the second phase of his life as he travels to New York leaving behind his family. Ó Confhaola is an accomplished singer in his own right.
The film begins with Heaney as a young boy, singing with his father – who was a huge influence on him. It then follows him as an adult, singing around and moving out of Ireland, and then it ends with him as an old man, reminiscing about his life. I would have like to have known more about his family he left behind to follow his own dreams.
Song of Granite is a slow-moving film (so may not appeal to some) but the audience is rewarded with beautiful imagery and music.
Song of Granite
Revelation Film Festival
Irish Film Festival
Mischa (16)