Director Neass Ni Chianain first encountered legendary Irish Poet Cathal O Searcaigh as a student in awe of him. Years later, the two are now friends and the poet invites her to accompany him on his annual three month visit to Nepal, which he considers his spiritual home.O Searcaigh, a middle aged openly gay man, was keen to share his life in the capital city of Kathmandu, and show all his charitable work supporting a whole legion of young Nepalese boys.
What starts out simply as a tribute to this seemingly altruistic generous man that villagers treat as some sort of a deity, turns into a totally different story. As the truth begins to reveals itself, the director starts to realize that she has been naïve to the fact that the poet’s attention to the boys is far from innocent.
Admiration turns to dismay and anger, fuelled by O Searcaigh’s denials when confronted with the discoveries, and ultimately it is he that claims betrayal and not the boys or the filmmaker.
Sensitively shot, this superb documentary with its totally unexpected curve is highly emotional, and even blood curdling at times. Whatever one’s opinion of O Searcaigh is, his story is totally compelling, completely riveting and makes fascinating viewing that shouldn’t be missed.
Ultimately, we are reminded of what we’ve always known: not every
fairytale has a happily-ever –after ending.
fairytale has a happily-ever –after ending.
Labels: 2006, biography, documentary, gay, Irish
