BROADCAST: TONIGHT 21 OCTOBER ON RTÉ ONE TELEVISION AT 22.15
Posted On
21/10/2021
“Hauntingly beautiful” – The Irish Times
Written by Colm Tóibín and narrated by Pierce Brosnan, this landmark
film is released on the 150th anniversary of Jack Yeats’ birth as well as the
War of Independence centenary and brings together contributors from Ireland’s
sphere of culture and academia – from historian Professor Roy Foster and Yeats’
biographer Hilary Pyle to comedian Dara Ó Briain and Tóibín himself. Having
been in the making for over two years, the project is the vision of its Sligo
born Director, Alex Verner, who makes his documentary film debut – as he
brilliantly combines emotive storytelling with breathtaking cinematography,
featuring the wild Irish landscapes which shaped Jack’s life, to create a truly
cinematic ‘Yeatsian’ odyssey that’s long overdue. As well as chronicling the
evolution of the artist, with a curation of his early sketches, watercolours
and most significant oils, the film also exclusively features a milestone event
that shaped the Irish art landscape – a momentous auction held in 2019 by
Whyte’s in association with Christie’s, where Irish revolutionary Ernie
O’Malley’s stunning private collection of Yeats’ paintings was put up for sale
by his son, Cormac – who emotionally reveals why he sold the works, which
fetched record breaking sums.
The directors of Whyte’s are delighted that our historic auction, held
in association with Christie’s, inspired this superb film and we strongly
recommend it to all as a “must see” visual and literary treat. We warmly
congratulate Alex and Joel Verner for this stunning film, which no doubt will
garner national and international awards and enhance the reputation of these
young Irish film makers.
LIVE STREAMING AND PLAYBACK on the RTÉ Player