Page 27 - Community Living 35-4

arts: film
Down on the farm, up on the roof

From a dark, dramatic comedy to the uplifting story of an Interviewed in the Sunday World in
anxious call centre worker, Tracey Harding is blown away by October, he discussed how he hoped his
work would encourage other young
the quality of film from the Oska Bright festival actors: “I’d like to open doors, not just for
people with Down syndrome but autism,
physical disabilities, hearing impairment.”
It is hoped this film will go on general
release soon.

The birds of freedom
Another feel-good film screened was
The Secret Life of Tom Lightfoot (2021),
directed by Ray Jacobs.
Featuring actors from learning disability
group Arty Party, based in Shropshire, it
tells the story of Tom (Graham Busby), a
man who goes to his workplace every day
– a call centre called We Have The Answers.
People ring to talk through their
problems and ask questions. Tom,
however, is struggling himself, as he has
his own problem that is occupying all his
Country strife: a wish list from beyond the grave forces two brothers together in An Irish Goodbye thoughts and concentration.
He has anxiety and, every day, when the
he British Film Institute platformed a He previously starred in ITV series pressure becomes too much for him, he
range of learning disability films and Marcella and BBC series Ups and Downs. goes up onto the roof of the building and
Tfilmmakers this spring when it Lorcan is a dedicated farmer and has lets out what is inside him.
screened a series of short films from the been managing the farm competently What flutters inside him are thousands
Oska Bright Film Festival. since his mother’s death, but his brother of birds which he releases when he opens
The programme – Oska Bright Lights – Turlough (Seamus O’Hara) must now his shirt and opens his heart. The birds are
included animation, comedy, drama and make care arrangements for Lorcan to go created beautifully by animation, which
dance, and many of the films’ actors or and live with their aunt, which means shows starlings flying towards the sky. Only
directors won awards. giving up the farm that he loves. when they are released into the sky can he
This was an amazing showcase of the As the brothers make arrangements for truly let himself go, and he dances and
talent that is developing across the world the funeral, a conversation with the local moves with the joy of being free.
by people with learning disabilities and priest reveals an interesting development. While Tom struggles to keep his secret,
affirms Oska Bright Film Festival as a They discover their mother has left a it does not go unnoticed. His colleague
world leader in pioneering learning bucket list, to be completed by both of Sandy (Becky Keir) realises something is
disability film and production. them, and Lorcan seizes the opportunity wrong and, when they are out with
The programme for the evening – he agrees to leave the farm only when people from work, she approaches him to
included films from Australia and the UK they have completed all 100 tasks on it. tell him that she knows what is happening.
and covered themes including LGBTQ, What follows is a warm, genuinely The 10-minute film has a beautiful
body image and mysterious black holes… laugh-out-loud film about the power of visual style, which contributes to the
love and the relationship between siblings overall magical feel of the story.
Black comedy on brothers’ bucket list who realise they have more similarities Tom represents the loneliness and
An Irish Goodbye (2021) is a wonderfully than they care to think. anxiety that many of us feel and keep
funny black comedy about two brothers As they embark on a journey to complete hidden and shows the happiness that can
who have been living apart – one as a all the tasks, they also explore their own be achieved by sharing and releasing the
farmer and the other in London. grief and, in doing so, draw closer things that we find difficult.
Filmed against the backdrop of together and discover a mutual respect The film has won multiple awards and
Northern Ireland, particularly a farm for each other. There is also a very funny been shown at more than 30 festivals
(pictured), it is the second short film from twist to this tale which I won’t divulge. worldwide. Talking to the Shropshire Star
Tom Berkeley and Ross White. The film is beautifully shot, with in October 2021, Arty Party director Ray
The brothers are brought back together attention to detail, showcasing the Jacobs said it was so important to
following the death of their mother, and it stunning scenery of Northern Ireland. But represent disabilities within film, and they
Floodlight Pictures are forced to spend time with each other. first-rate performances from a talented diversity within its casting and deserving
were thrilled the film was doing so well.
what really makes it so appealing is the
is obvious that neither is happy that they
Secret Life is a delight, celebrating
One of the brothers, Lorcan, is played by cast, particularly Martin, who is an
James Martin, who has Down syndrome.
Community Living Vol 35 No 4 | Summer 2022 27
www.cl-initiatives.co.uk ambassador for Mencap Northern Ireland. its success and attention. n