Delve into the North Isles: The Rugged Island Film

Delve into the North Isles: The Rugged Island Film Experience the raw, lyrical heart of the Shetland Islands in this silent masterpiece: *The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric* (1933). Archived by the National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive and directed by pioneering filmmaker Jenny Gilbertson, the film is a beautiful “story documentary” that follows the lives, loves, and hard work of rural crofting communities. The narrative centers on Johnny, a young man torn between his duty to home and his love for Enga, as the promise of a new life in Australia beckons. Praised by John Grierson – the father of the British documentary movement – as “one of the best descriptions of life in the country anybody has yet made,” this tender and intimate portrayal transcends both fiction and non‑fiction, offering a uniquely sincere view into Shetland life. HippFest commissioned Scotland’s most in‑demand composer‑producer, Inge Thomson, to craft a fresh, live score for the film. At its premiere in 2024, the performance received a rapturous response. Thompson, a native of a remote crofting community, teamed with multi‑award‑winning Shetland fiddler Catriona Macdonald to create a soundtrack that marries ancient melodies with modern sensibilities—a perfect foil to Gilbertson’s historically rooted work. Join us for a unique listening and viewing experience where timeless Scottish storytelling meets contemporary musical expression. Details & tickets.