A rising star Highland filmmaker has won a Bafta prize for her movie telling the tale of a divorcee who finds a new lease of life running a north B&B.
Robin Haig’s film Hula won best drama at the prestigious Bafta Scotland New Talent Awards.
The Dornie-based filmmaker and crofter directed and co-wrote the film as part of her studies in advanced film practice at Edinburgh Napier University.
The film stars Taggart actress Blythe Duff as Clara, an uptight divorcee struggling to find a purpose after her daughter left home.
She opens a B&B and unexpectedly rediscovers the joy of life through her guests.
The film also weaves in the local Highland legend of the Five
Sisters of Kintail; a group of sisters who waited on the shore until they turned into the famous mountain range we see today.
In the film, the five sisters are played by local girls – two sets of
real life sisters and their mutual friend.
Hula will have its UK premier in June at XpoNorth in Inverness.
Robin Haig, Hula director and co-writer said: “The inspiration for Hula came from my observations of women in the rural community I grew
up in.
“I set out to make a film about being middle-aged, divorced and long-term single in the
Highlands. I wanted to bring a protagonist to life who represented these women, and take the audience on a journey that was satisfying, uplifting and joyous.”
“It is unbelievably exciting to win the BAFTA New Talent award and such an honour.
“It’s testament to the hard work of the cast and crew who gave their time to make Hula happen.”
We are totally delighted!”
Lead actress Ms Duff said: “I was delighted when I heard the news and it was a shame I couldn’t make the ceremony.”
