MAIN DRAMATIC COMPETITION “MAKING WAY”
SILENT ROAR
2023 / 90 min / color
Scottish director Johnny Barrington’s debut feature is a highly original tale of grief and loss, difficult to categorize within a specific genre. It has elements of classic coming-of-age stories as well as psychological dramas. The main character, a teenage surfer named Dondo, has been unable to come to terms with his father’s tragic death at sea, even though a year has passed. His greatest source of support is his friend Sas, with whom he has a somewhat ambiguous relationship, as is often the case among teenagers. There’s an important mystical element to the narrative: Dondo experiences unusual religious visions. He finds an unexpected peace in the church, especially since the arrival of a new priest who’s able to rekindle his faith — not only in God, but also in the belief that his father is not dead after all and that somewhere, amidst the rugged landscapes of the Scottish island, he’s waiting for Dondo’s help. The search for his father is actually a journey of self-discovery for a rebellious teenage soul, full of inner anger and conflict with his surrounding reality. This is highlighted by evocative performances from the young actors Louis McCartney and Ella Lily Hyland, as well as the film’s hypnotic imagery and score.
Director
Johnny Barrington
Screenplay
Johnny Barrington
Cinematography
Ruben Woodin Dechamps
Music
Hannah Peel
Cast
Louis McCartney, Ella Lily Hyland, Mark Lockyer, Victoria Balnaves, Fiona Bell
Country
UK
Language/Subtitles
Language: English
Subtitles: Polish