Europe

Fairytale of Kathmandu

A film-maker confronts a poet about charitable support to adolescent boys.

When filmmaker Neasa Ní Chianáin takes up the invitation of out gay, Irish poet Cathal O Searcaigh to visit him on his annual trip from the west of Ireland to Kathmandu she is delighted to have a chance to discover this colourful kingdom in his presence. What begins as a privileged portrait of a respected neighbour and friend takes on a different resonance when Neasa begins to suspect that the poet's charitable gifts to young students are not wholly altruistic. After more than fifteen years the poet is now a well-known figure and has a large circle including a married adopted godson. None of the boys are under the legal age of consent but using money to seduce inexperienced native youths raises deep questions about the nature of consent, inter-generational sex and cross-cultural understanding.
This is a powerful, beautiful and disturbing film.
Brian Robinson

Directed by:Neasa Ní Chianáin
Distributor:Journeyman Pictures
Country:Ireland-UK
Year:2007
Running time:60min
Screening with:

Spotlight: Gay Pride and Prejudice

An investigation into current attitudes towards gays in Ulster.

Distributor:BBC Northern Ireland
Country:Northern Ireland
Year:2008
Running time:30min
25 March - 8 April
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