Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Cannes Film Festival 2013: British filmmaker Paul Wright makes waves with directorial debut For Those in Peril

 

Nick Clark
Monday 20 May 2013 09:53 BST
Comments
For Those In Peril
For Those In Peril

British talent is thin on the ground at this year’s Cannes festival, but one first-time feature film director, from a small village in Scotland, has been making waves.

Paul Wright showcased his feature debut For Those in Peril, which was playing as part of the Critics’ Week programme.

He told The Independent: “People are obviously connecting with it, which is great. I couldn’t have asked for more as a starting place for the film and for me.”

For Those in Peril, which has received strong reviews, tells the story of Aaron, who has returned to his remote fishing village following a tragic expedition from which he was the only survivor. Aaron, played by George MacKay, has to deal with survivor’s guilt, and the small religious and superstitious community turning against him.

Wright said: “I grew up in a similar-sized fishing village myself; there is that feeling that everyone knows everyone else’s business. And with a tragedy like the one in the film, Aaron is a constant reminder of it.”

For Those in Peril was filmed in Gourdon, while Mr Wright grew up in a similar place called Lower Largo. While tragic things “can become heightened in small communities”, he said he had amplified it for dramatic effect.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in