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UK Festival Premiere. Bursting with candid observations of lipstick-wearing, always-swearing, no-nonsense artist and shepherd Orla Barry, Notes from Sheepland is an intimate and amusing look into the life of an off-the-grid artist. We discover through her fields, digital diaries, and pedigree sheep how the art is in the doing. Orla Barry is a self-confessed ovine addict. After a decade in sheep husbandry, she’s still wondering what possessed her to start, but yet she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than in southeast Ireland, running a flock of pedigree Lleyn sheep. Her work navigates the tensions of being both an artist and an eco-farmer in rural Ireland. The sheep may have slowed her art career, but caring for them has been a profound source of inspiration. She escapes the studio by going to the pastures, and escapes the sheep by hiding in her studio.  Follow outlier Orla as she floats between these worlds, reflecting upon her primal, poetic, and unpredictable bond with the natural world. (Cara Holmes, Ireland, 70 mins)

The screening will be followed by a pre-recorded Q&A with director Cara Holmes, created especially for the festival.

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About the filmmaker:

Cara Holmes is a film editor and director with a diverse portfolio of feature and short documentaries. Her editing credits include Piano Dreams, Father of the Cyborgs, and Lost in France. She directed Welcome To A Bright White Limbo, which earned a Special Jury mention at Tribeca 2020 and an IFTA for Best Short Film. Her latest film, Notes from Sheepland, won Best Documentary at the 2023 Dublin International Film Festival.

With short film:

Finding Bo

World Premiere. Photographer Karen Miller braves the Scottish elements to capture the lives of mountain hares, exploring the delicate balance between nature and adventure. Venturing alone into Scotland’s harsh yet beautiful landscapes, Miller's journey highlights her deep connection to wildlife, the land, and her passion for adventure photography during a challenging winter season. (Rachel Sarah, UK, 15 mins)

Finding Bo will be followed by a live onstage Q&A with director Rachel Sarah and the film's protagonist, photographer Karen Miller.

About the Filmmaker:

Rachel Sarah, a Scotland-based filmmaker and photographer, specialises in adventure sport and environmental stories. She has collaborated with brands like Patagonia, MPB, and Merrell, creating documentaries, short films, and commercial campaigns. Known for her diverse styles and ability to capture human connections with nature, Rachel works globally, ensuring each project is impact-assessed. Whether tracking wildlife, climbing mountains, or filming in the sea, she inspires positive environmental action and explores the bond between health and nature.

About the Guest Speaker:

Karen Miller is a passionate wildlife photographer based in the Scottish Highlands. Specialising in capturing animals in their natural habitats, Karen offers guiding and workshops on subjects like red squirrels, crested tits, and mountain hares. Since moving to the Highlands in 2019, she has embraced the area's abundant wildlife. Discover her work at karenmillerphotography.co.uk

This programme is rated 15

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