Meet Kenneth (Peter Mullan), a grieving widower and local historian who spends his days dressed in breeches, guiding tourists through the legacy of his dubious 18th-century ancestor.
When a high-budget, Game of Thrones-style fantasy epic, The White Stag of Emberfell, rolls into town, suddenly, his beloved museum is gutted for "fan experiences". Kenneth is forced to swap his historical dignity for a cheap wizard costume.
Seán Dunn’s dark comedy is a biting, surreal satire on heritage tourism and the "Disneyfication" of history, anchored by Mullan’s career-best performance. Part tragicomedy, part psychedelic breakdown, the film explores what happens when our personal mythologies collide with the soulless machinery of modern entertainment.
We’re teaming up with the University of Birmingham, Rural Media, and Dr. Christina Wilkins for this special screening. Afterwards, we’ll be heading next door to The Nest for an informal workshop and conversation led by Dr. Wilkins, diving into the portrayal of male mental health on screen.