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Tj O’Grady Peyton last appeared on the pages of Dn as both director and actor in Wave, a film which shows a man isolated by the barrier of unintelligible language so it only seems fitting that his latest short, Broken: A Lockdown Story, is guided by a bizarre exploration of language and expressions. Tj worked with fellow London Film School graduate John Craine to create the story of a family who have seen better times as envisaged through the fantastical prism of its matriarch whose playful account belies the reality of the household’s situation. The film’s playful score and quirky narration, which has fun playing with recognisable idioms, are equally matched by its highly stylised scenes of outlandish capers and a delightfully dry sense of humour which runs throughout. We sat down with Director Peyton and Writer/Cinematographer Craine to delve into how they wove together a selection...

Blackbird

Written by Jamie Chambers, John Craine and Robyn Pete

Directed by Jamie Chambers

UK, 2013

Blackbird is set in a Scottish island town where the traditional culture, based around folk singing, is gradually dying out and young people are flocking to the cities in search of better opportunities. The community has been fractured by weakening local industries and a loss of identity, leading to social discord and conflicting views about how the town should move forward. Director Jamie Chambers delicately draws out these issues, showing a sad reluctance on the part of the older community to pass down their traditions, acutely aware that they have little economic value in the modern world.

The film’s protagonist is Ruadhan (Andrew Rothney), a wide-eyed, vulnerable young man, with a passion for the songs he picks up from the town’s legendary but ageing performers. He lives in a small, wooden fishing boat,...