Neasa Ní Chianáin’s controversial documentary ‘Fairytale of Kathmandu’, which profiles Irish poet Cathal O’Searcaigh’s visits to Nepal, is set to screen on RTÉ One, next Tuesday at 10.10pm.
The film, produced by David Rane, deals with the Irish language poet’s annual trips to Nepal and his relationships there with many young men whom he has been financially supporting over the last ten years. The documentary, recently screened to sold-out audiences at the Dublin Film Festival, has caused a stir of media controversy in recent weeks, with radio and print media both picking up on the film’s subject matter.
‘Fairytale of Kathmandu’ received its world premiere in the Silver Wolf competition at Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival in November 2007. The documentary has since been invited to seven more international festivals, including a US premiere at Seattle International Film Festival in June, the Thessaloniki Film Festival, Greece and the Docaviv Film Festival, Israel in April.
‘Kathmandu’ has also attracted the attention of a number of US and European film distributors.
“Given the subject matter of the film, the media storm in Ireland was inevitable, but it has deflected attention somewhat from the fact that the film stands on its own as a compelling and sensitive telling of a complex story,” said the film’s producer David Rane. “This is evidenced by the international interest we have had in the film. Although on one level, the film has fulfilled a goal of focusing attention on the problem of sex tourism, on another level, the challenge for director Neasa Ní Chaináin was to find a way to put herself in the action of the film.
“Neasa had to address issues of her own naiveté and also deal with finding herself in a position where she felt deeply uncomfortable. On this level, the film is a unique document of the filmmaker’s personal journey, and should be of interest, not only to Irish audiences intrigued by the ‘fallen idol’ aspects of an Irish literary hero, but also to a much broader international audience.”
More info on the film can be found at www.fairytaleofkathmandu.com.
‘Fairytale of Kathmandu’ airs on RTE One, Tuesday 11th March, 10.10pm
