Lasair 4 Premiere is three short films: Finscéal Pháidí (Paddy's story), Douglas Hide, Tóg Mise Leat (Take Me With You).

Lasair 4 is an award scheme for short films in the Irish language (subtitled). This presentation is of projects in the fourth round of such films since the scheme was established in 2001. Companies involved are TG4, an Irish-language TV station; and Filmbase, a resource centre for film-makers.

Finscéal Pháidí (Paddy's story) has touches of magic realism, where a nine-year old boy whose father is absent has a close relationship with his grandfather - and sees monsters, hooded phantoms and hidden treasures as part of his daily life. When tempted by a hooded figure to attack his mother's boyfriend, the true nature of his fantasy world is revealed. The story has a delightful quality to it, with plenty of black humour spread in a light way - although the ending could have gone further, given the hints about the grandfather's health.

Douglas Hide is told as a mock-documentary about Ireland's first President, Douglas Hyde, being expelled in 1938 from the Gaelic Athletic Association (the sporting body for hurling and Gaelic football) for attending a soccer match - under a rule banning GAA members for being involved in 'foreign games'. Two friends in a small town who play for rival teams – and who are rivals for the same girl – end up in an argument where one is barred for attending a soccer match. To show up the absurdity of the rule, they use the fact that the President attended the same match – which ends up with the President being banned. While the story is interesting and delightfully shot, with good period detail, it is a little complex for a short film. The technique of interspersing the drama with shots of present-day 'commentators' also seems unnecessary and takes from the flow.

Tóg Mise Leat (Take Me With You) is set in the present day and deals with an alienated boy whose parents are present but have little time for him. He retreats into a fantasy life of space and astromony, which gives him an exit. Its realistic style, while always allowing the possibility of the fantastic, strikes the right note and the uncaring neglect (rather than cruelty) of his parents - obsessed with their own lives - is very believable. It is childlike and touching, while also scathing about modern materialism.

Finscéal Pháidí (Paddy's story):

CAST: (credits awaited)

COMPANY: Writer - Colm Bairéad. Director - Colm Bairéad. (further credits awaited).

Douglas Hide:

CAST: (credits awaited)

COMPANY: Director - Vincent Gallagher. (further credits awaited).

Tóg Mise Leat (Take Me With You):

CAST: (credits awaited)

COMPANY: Writer - Aaron O'Reilly. Director - Aaron O'Reilly. (further credits awaited).

All Films:

COMPANY: Company - Lasair 4. Company - TG4. Company - Filmbase.

END

(c) Colman Higgins 2009

reviewed Saturday 21 February 2009 / Lighthouse Cinema Smithfield / Light House Screen 1, Dublin

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com