An autobiographical exploration of the role that salt has played in the life of a filmmaker, surfer and person with cystic fibrosis (CF) will premiere in Sligo next month.
“Salt” is directed by Sligo-based Alice Ward, and it has won “Best International Short” at the London Surf Film Festival and “Best Film” at the Irish Surf Film Festival in November 2024.
At the heart of the film is salt, as she explains - in seawater and as an essential component within our bodies.
Alice’s mother noticed Alice’s skin was unusually salty at birth which led to a diagnosis of CF.
The award Winning short film SALT premier poster
In spite of this, Alice became the first woman in Ireland to start shooting in the water to capture surfing from a female perspective.
“Salt” is described as “an artful portrayal of her relationship with salt, which has profoundly influenced Alice in her personal and professional life”.
“I’ve spent most of my life in the sea and “Salt” is my own personal love letter to the ocean and the gratitude I have for how it has shaped my life,”Ward says.
“I’m thrilled to work with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI), Finisterre and the London Surf Film Festival to bring this story to the Irish audience – I believe it will resonate with many,” Ward explains.
Salt was the 2024 winner of the Finisterre x LSFF “Women of the Sea Film Fund”.
The pitch was selected from a shortlist of 50 films from around the globe. Ward’s film runs for 12 minutes and explores themes of empowerment, motivation, and intuition, offering a compelling insight into the lives of people with chronic and lifelong illnesses.
“Through “Salt”, I wanted to demonstrate to individuals grappling with serious illnesses that their conditions need not always dictate their lives, and they possess capabilities beyond their doctors’ prognoses,”Ward says.
“I also want to show the positive impact that immersing myself in the ocean has had on my health, and lastly, I am motivated to empower women to embrace the role of storyteller behind the lens,” she says.
The film is part-funded by CFI, the national charity advocating with people with CF and their families in Ireland, and it is hoped it will continue to spread awareness of the condition.
CFI chief executive officer Sarah Tecklenborg described the film as “a beautiful depiction of the story of today’s CF”.
"The history of the condition is a harrowing one but with advancements in care and treatment, the narrative and future has changed with many people with CF living healthier lives,”she said.
“ And whilst there are still many barriers to living with CF - whether that is access to medications, treatment burden, access to mortgages and pensions, or facing the unknown effects of ageing with CF - together with our members, we, as an organisation, will continue to work tirelessly towards a life without these barriers – and ultimately a cure.”
The film, followed by a Q&A with renowned contemporary artist, Alice Maher will premiere at The Model, Sligo on February 8th, 2025.
Tickets and screening times can be found here
Members of CFI are invited to attend an online screening on February 20th, 2025 – details can be found on www.cfireland.ie.
