WATCH: Laois people in poignant Christmas film made by Laois man
A new documentary by acclaimed Laois filmmaker Ken Wardrop called So This is Christmas features the stories of local people who have to navigate the festive season in the wake of personal tragedies.
Set for release this November, the film by the Portarlington native promises to take audiences on a heartening and emotional journey with five ordinary characters as they navigate personal dilemmas triggered by what can be an overwhelming time of year. Amid their everyday lives and struggles, the film reveals their stories of extraordinary resilience and humble bravery.
The story is brought to life in a creative documentary form, where characters’ lives interweave with a colourful tapestry of Christmas scenes. Beyond the façade of tinsel and celebration, the film explores the deeper complexities that emerge when expectations collide with reality. What transpires is an important social commentary, filled with humour yet tinged with tragedy that will leave audiences questioning the true meaning of Christmas.
Some of Wardrop's previous films have featured Laois people and so does his new production.
Mary, in her 40s, has suffered from anorexia since she was 13. The film reveals how Mary explains that it was a consequence of being bullied at school. The doctor she was sent to told her to eat more potatoes. She never received the appropriate help she needed.
Her life was further complicated when she was injured and had to give up work. Today, Mary can feel judged by others, but she does her best to stay social and active in her community.
Christmas is a particularly complicated time, with so much centred around food, drink, and celebrating. It can be very triggering and difficult for Mary to navigate.
It also tells the story of Jason, a father of two boys, Cathal (10) and Setanta (5). He lost his beloved wife, Roxy, in February 2022 after a 6-year battle with cervical cancer. When we met Jason, he was heartbroken for Roxy. However, he also shared with us that Roxy was an incredibly strong person who instilled in him the strength to carry on for both his and their boys' sake.
It was the family's first Christmas without Roxy, and Jason permitted us to share in their lives to help tell his and Roxy's love story.
Wardrop spoke about the film which premiered at the Cork International Film Festival on November 10 and will also be shown in Portlaoise.
“Their courage and resilience have been truly inspiring. I hope the film will resonate with Irish audiences and anyone grappling with the complex emotions of Christmas, reminding us all of what the festive season is really meant to be about,” he says..
So this is Christmas is a Venom production and is produced by Andrew Freedman with backing from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
It screens on Friday, November 17 in the Odeon Portlaoise and cinemas throughout Ireland.
Ken has over 20 years of experience in both theatrical Film and TV commercial direction and production. His awards include IFTAs, Sundance Film Festival awards and a European Film Academy award.
His & Hers produced in 2009 is arguably his best-known film. Directed and produced by Wardrop, it tells the stories of women, mainly from the Irish Midlands, and their relationships with men.