Fifty years after The Wicker Man, director Robin Hardy’s lost papers resurface, finding their way to his filmmaker son, Justin Hardy. Enlisting his brother Dominic, they journey to uncover the complex reality behind their father’s most famous film. While Justin’s view of The Wicker Man is tainted by the sacrifices it demanded of the family, Dominic’s experience relates more to its lasting cult status. But what was Robin's creative contribution to the iconic shocker? Fans may not always like what the brothers find but will come closer to understanding the evolution of a fantasy classic and the maverick director behind it.
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with director Justin Hardy and producer Chris Nunn, who will be in Shetland ahead of their next major project—a new folk-horror feature, An Ill Wind, set to be filmed in the isles in Lower Voe in April.
An Ill Wind tells the chilling story of Anna, who, after her husband’s suicide, returns with her daughter to the remote island of Hel. Anna is haunted by unsettling flashbacks, girls on the island begin to vanish, forcing Anna to confront the dark family secrets carried on the ill wind, before they claim her daughter too.
Inspired by Robin Hardy’s ‘lost film,’ this micro-budget folk-horror feature is co-produced by the University of Birmingham and University College London. Starring Francis Magee and Norwegian rising star Christiane Schaldemose.
In celebration of the cult classic, we will also be screening Robin Hardy’s original 1973 folk-horror masterpiece. This iconic film, has lost none of its witty, arcane charge.
Don’t miss this unique and exciting opportunity to explore the past, present and future of folk-horror cinema at Mareel.
