As a student, director Neasa Ní Chianáin
first encountered Irish poet, Cathal Ó Searcaigh.
Writing in her native Irish, the charismatic
figure of Ó Searcaigh cast a spell
on her: his poetry spoke of the land, the pain
of lost love, and loneliness.
Years later, and by then his neighbour in
Donegal, the director accompanies Ó Searcaigh
to his spiritual home – Nepal – and films him
there. For a decade, the poet has made annual
trips there, basking in its culture and repaying
its hospitality by sponsoring Nepalese youth
in their studies. In this impoverished society,
he is regarded as a god.
Through the camera lens, the fairytale shines:
boy after boy speaks warmly of the poet, of
his generosity. He basks in the attention and
talks frankly about love, friendship and the
innocence of the Nepalese.
But the more Ní Chianáin learns about
Ó Searcaigh’s Nepalese life, the more she
discovers a different tale, and feels impelled
to enter her own film and question his motives,
confronting him on camera. The answers
she receives are surprising, and surprisingly
honest.
Irish Film Board
