Film weaves magic with fairytale

Burgh trio hope low-budget movie will clinch a national award

THREE local film stars will be hoping for a cause to celebrate this weekend when their debut release goes head-to-head to win a national competition.

Strathendrick film Society's film 'Kirk' features Burgh talent in the form of teens Rachel Gibson, Jamie Watterson and Mary Ann McKelvie.

All former pupils of Hermitage Academy, the trio joined the cast of the low-budget film.

The production, directed by 17-year-old Michael Ferns, cost only £7, 350 to create, and will vie for the top spot in the Independent Film category at the Fantastic Film Festival, which is staged in Manchester this weekend.

When the film made it past the rejection stage of the awards, those involved with the film society were delighted, and when it reached the shortlist of the final four films that will be judged on Sunday October 19, they were overwhelmed.

Funds to get the cast and crew to the festival have not been easy for the society to find. But most of the crew will make the journey south to find out the fate of their work of art - after successful attempts to raise the cash.

Kirk is loosely based on the true story of the Rev. Robert Kirk of Aberfoyle, a scholar and minister of religion, who believed in the Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies.

The feature-length film tells how passionately he wanted his wife to also believe, and the drastic action he took to fulfil this mission.

Set in the 17th century, it was filmed in the beautiful locations of Loch Lomond, Ardyll Woods Cashel Forest Rowardennan, and Culross conservation village in Fife. The stunning dress, worn by Rachel, was donated by Peaches of Killearn and was made-to-measure for the part.

Other donations came from the Cooperative community fund, Stirling Council, Balfron Community Council, the sons of the Rock Society and other anonymous donors, who helped the film become a reality.