Soilsiú Films has made their wonderful Irish feature documentary School Life, directed by Neasa Ní Chianáin and co-directed David Rane, available to buy on DVD or rent on VOD via their website.
A funny and yet poignant observational documentary, School Life follows two primary school teachers, John and Amanda Leyden, who have become legends teaching Reading, ‘Rithmetic and Rock ‘n’ Roll to young pupils at Headfort, an enchanting 18th Century Hogwarts-like boarding school – the last of its kind in Ireland. The pace at the school is hectic and the mood infectious as this eccentric, chain-smoking, and very droll British couple, who have lived and taught for 46 years at Headfort, work their magic in hilarious fashion on fertile young minds. The film reflects a unique kind of warmth and fondness that existed between tutor and ward in years gone by, a genuine love of all that makes childhood so precious. But, in School Life, for both the pupils, moving on from the last days of their childhood, and the teachers, facing the end of their careers, leaving is the hardest lesson to learn.
The film enjoyed much praise from critics and audiences alike during its release in Ireland and the US earlier this year, including being an audience favourite at the Sundance Film Festival.
School Life is produced by Soilsíu Films and financed by the Irish Film Board, the Broadcast Authority of Ireland, RTÉ, TVE, and Creative Europe.