Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle

The first Gaelic language film to secure a mainstream cinema release, Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle is an ambitious piece of work shot entirely on location in Skye. Told in flashback, it recounts the story of 7 year-old Angus who is brought up by his grandparents after the death of his mother and father in a mountaineering accident. During his childhood, Angus struggles to come to terms with the loss of his family and resists his grandfather's attempts to keep Gaelic traditions alive by recounting colourful Scottish folklore. The methodical pace of the childhood story contrasts well with the zippy nature of the traditional tales which are wry and touching in equal measure. Built around a terrific performance from Padraig Moireasdan as Angus, the film is beautifully shot and wonderfully atmospheric, but let down by a confusing ending which is just too symbolic for its own good. [Christopher Mackie]