Scandi showcase for Patrick’s Rattray film
Festival screening
Patrick Rooney with Willie Little A Perthshire filmmaker is set to be a star of a Scandinavian film festival.
Patrick Rooney from Blairgowrie is to have his documentary film showcased at the West Nordic Film Festival, taking place later this month in Norway.
During his overseas appearance, he will present his film ‘A Little Revival’, which documents the refurbishment of the Riverside Methodist Church in Rattray into Little’s restaurant.
The documentary took 18 months to film and saw Patrick going to the church every six weeks to film the work in progress.
His company, ‘Dear Friend Films’, initially made four short films on the project, however Patrick decided to combine the four into one longer documentary, including a number of interviews with staff, tradesman and restaurateur Willie Little.
Patrick said he is looking forward to seeing his work portrayed at the film festival in Norway. He added: “I’m really pleased that the documentary is going to be seen in Norway at this prestigious film festival.
“It’s fantastic for Willie too, and everyone who has been involved with the church project.
“Willie and I always said that we wanted to showcase the building and its beautiful and unique stained-glass window, dedicated to the role of the Labour Corps in World War I, to a wider audience, which would hopefully safeguard it for the future.
“This amazing window had lain in an abandoned church until Willie brought it all back to life and gave the building a new life, and a new use as a busy restaurant.”
Patrick continued: “Willie led this project - it was his enthusiasm, ambition and passion that made the whole thing happen.
“It was my pleasure to capture it all on film for him. Willie has been my inspiration for a number of projects as my career has progressed.”