A sprinkling of Hollywood glamour descended upon Inverness Film Festival last night.
Film and TV star Karen Gillan returned to her home town to present her debut movie, The Party’s Just Beginning, at the festival at Eden Court.
Tickets for the screening were snapped up immediately by fans, keen to get a glimpse of their home-grown superstar who wrote the script and plays the leading character, Liusaidh.
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The city of Inverness also has a starring role, with several scenes filmed in the Highland Capital.
Festival director Paul Macdonald Taylor said: “The film had its world premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival but the producer, Mali Elfman and Karen herself, were very happy about it being shown in Inverness.
Described as an “emotional tour de force” and “an emotional love letter to Gillan’s hometown,” The Party’s Just Beginning, explores the issue of suicide in the Highlands.
In September this year, the P&J reported that suicide is the leading cause of death in males aged 15-24 in the Highlands, although most suicides occur in middle age.
The Highlands, in common with Moray, has higher suicide rates than the Scottish average, and while Scottish figures have been reducing Highlands’ has been rising.
Mr Taylor said of the film: “It was quite brave of Karen to take on a storyline like this, especially for a first film.
“She’s taken a few years to work the script and get it made so it’s obviously something she’s very passionate about.
“I liked the film very much – it was very strong for someone’s first film.
“It’s beautifully shot and she has a great eye for photography and camera placement.
“Inverness comes across very favourably on the screen and there’s some good shots outside Max’s Chip Shop, the cathedral and areas surrounding Inverness.”
Following the screening, Mr Taylor hosted a 30 minute Q&A with Karen, Mali Elfman and actress Rachel Jackson who plays Donna, Linsaidh’s best female friend in the movie.
“Those who weren’t lucky enough to get tickets for last night have another chance to see it as we’re screening it again at 12.45pm today and at 9.15pm tomorrow.
