"Salt", the new short documentary by film-maker and surfer Alice Ward, will be screened at the Fastnet Film Festival in Cork next month.
Ward (29), who is based in Sligo, recently released the 12- minute film, which explores the role that sodium chloride has played in her life.
She has previously won awards for her directorial debut, entitled Ebb and Flow, which profiled the surfing and windsurfing skills of Sligo-based trio Elizabeth Clyne, Katie McAnena and Shauna Ward.
Made by Ward with producer Mairéad Collins and artist Alice Maher, Ebb and Flow was screened in 15 festivals worldwide and was named the best “Women in Surf” film at the Portuguese Surf Film Festival 2020.
Ward also received an honorary mention for “Best Emerging Irish Female Director” at the Indie Cork Film Festival 2020.
As a result of a conversation with the director of the London Surf Film Festival two years ago, Ward decided – initially a little reluctantly – to make a film about her own experience, having been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a child.
Her company, Sea Pea Films, made a successful pitch to a film fund supported by Finisterre and The London Surf Film Festival. She also received support from national advocacy charity Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
Her 12-minutes documentary on the benefits she derives from spending time in the sea was made with cinematographer João Tudella and designer and animator Eva Martin.
Also on the team were her sister, producer Rose Ward, and the haunting musical score was composed by Alistair Hobson.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland hosted a special screening of the film for its members recently, and hopes to raise more awareness of the condition when it hosts its annual “65 Roses Day” on April 11th.
Salt will be screened at the Fastnet Film Festival in Cork on May 21st.
It was shown in Galway this week (April 3) at an event hosted by the charity CuriOcean in the University of Galway’s marine department.
