1997, 16mm, b&w, sound, single screen, 6' 00
Edinburgh’s Beltane fire festival is a spectacular recreation of a pagan celebration. Crowds of thousands watch the procession around Calton Hill, in the heart of the city, held annually on the eve of May Day. I didn’t get enough material at the first attempt so I went back the following year when I was more competent with the camera and less shy. It is a simplified, partial record of the event, distilled down to an impression of 6 minutes. This reworking echoes the reimagination of the ancient ritual. The film is a reconstruction of a reconstruction.
Sound Recordist: Gordon Allan
Wandsworth Youth Development
London Film-Maker's Coop
Lightcone, 16mm, Light Cone distribution page for Beltane
LUX, 16mm, BetaSP tape LUX distribution page for Beltane