BREAKING: Helen Walsh’s highly anticipated film On the Sea has officially premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, competing for the prestigious Sean Connery Prize. This marks the writer-director’s return to the festival following her acclaimed debut, The Violators, which also debuted in Edinburgh in 2015.
Walsh stated, “Place is always my starting point,” emphasizing how location informs identity and narrative. Filmed for less than £1 million ($1.36 million), the project showcases an intimate, community-driven story set against the backdrop of the Menai Strait’s mussel beds.
Producer David Moores shared insights into the production challenges, explaining that they faced tight shooting schedules due to the actors’ availability and the seasonal nature of mussel harvesting. “We had a strong script and found the perfect chemistry in our cast,” he noted, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defined the film’s creation.
The film stars Barry Ward as Jack, a mussel worker whose life unravels when deckhand Lorne MacFadyen arrives, pushing him to confront deep-seated truths. Walsh described Jack as a “good man from a small fishing village” facing a mid-life crisis that threatens his family and community ties.
Walsh’s dedicated approach involved embedding herself within the local community, spending weeks on the mussel beds to authentically portray their lifestyle. She stated, “Spending time there strips away your own mythologies,” allowing her to create a genuine connection with the culture.
The film’s visual storytelling, crafted with cinematographer Sam Goldie, employs close-up shots to convey Jack’s emotional turmoil before expanding the frame to capture the broader landscape once Daniel disrupts his life. Walsh’s editing process further shaped the narrative, transforming three separate stories into a cohesive journey centered on Jack’s struggles.
In a poignant moment during filming, Walsh added a scene of “a simple act of human kindness” that emerged from early edits, revealing a glimpse of hope amidst Jack’s despair. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when we filmed it,” she recalled, underscoring the film’s emotional depth.
As On the Sea competes for accolades at the festival, Walsh reflects on the importance of depicting masculinity with nuance and respect for the community. “I think female directors can open up spaces for more nuanced depictions of masculinity,” she observed, emphasizing her commitment to authenticity.
The film resonates deeply with Walsh, who grew up in a town similar to Jack’s, understanding the complexities of identity and the struggles faced by those like him. “I wanted to make a film about courage and hope,” she concluded, illustrating the universal themes of resilience and self-acceptance.
Stay tuned for more updates as On the Sea continues to make waves at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. With sales managed by The Yellow Affair, the film’s journey is just beginning, and its impact is set to be felt far beyond the festival.