Bodkin Ras, featuring local actors and locations, is being shown by Film Forres 11 years after its premiere
A controversial movie, filmed locally in 2013 and premiered in the town hall two years later, is to be screened again.
‘Bodkin Ras’, a fictional tale shot in a documentary style, tells the story of a young man who flees his own country after a fatal accident to hide in Forres, only to find himself to blame when a local girl disappears.
The film has toured the world since 2015, winning accolades including the FIPRESCI Award in Rotterdam, the Making Way and Grand Jury Prizes in Warsaw, the jury Prize in California, a FIPRESCI Jury prize in London and Best Director in Istanbul.
https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/bodkin-ras-premieres-at-forres-town-hall-155383/
Despite never having a general release in the UK, director Kaweh Modiri has given Film Forres special permission to screen the film at Forres Town Hall again.
Film Forres chairman Bob Kenny explained that some viewers of previous screenings claimed the film exploited its cast, many of whom were familiar faces in The Eagle pub.
“There are many from the community who were outraged at the depiction of their town,” he said. “The film’s reliance on real characters gives it real authenticity, and the warts and all presentation of their lives borders on voyeurism.
“The film requires it's audience to confront their attitudes towards the marginalised. t's central theme of ‘the Outsiders’ being that all societies have marginalised individuals who are different from the mainstream, and often treated with suspicion and derision.
“I would urge everyone to come and make their own minds up about this multi-award winning film.“
Bodkin Ras was last screened by Film Forres in 2018. The decision to offer another comes in response to a number of enquiries to Film Forres from the community over the past few years.
https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/award-winning-film-returns-to-forres-175644/
Bob said: “It was last played to a packed house with contributions from the director and crew.
“Sadly, at least six members of the original cast have passed away, the most recent being Jimmy ‘The Hip’ MacMillan, who provided the film's powerful narration. It had been hoped to interview the director in more detail but due to personal and professional commitments this has not been possible.
“The film's director Kaweh is also keen to see his film aired again in Forres. He provided a digital copy.”
He finished: “There is a great deal written about Bodkin Ras and there is no doubting its international reputation.
“It is sometimes referred to as a horror flick, others see it as worthy social commentary.
“But as things stand currently, this will be the only UK screening so a real coup for the town.”
Bodkin Ras is being screened at Forres Town Hall on Saturday, August 31 at 7.30pm.
Visit https://www.filmforres.co.uk/ for more information.
