Acclaimed Film BLACKBIRD to Be Released in UK by Verve Pictures

The debut film from Edinburgh-based director Jamie Chambers, BLACKBIRD, is to be released on DVD by Verve Pictures. A lyrical cinematic fable that explores the passing of songs from one generation to another, Blackbird premiered to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (2013). Nominated for the Michael Powell Award and a Scottish BAFTA, Blackbird was a hit at the festival receiving the 'Best of the Fest' award. After a worldwide festival tour that generated further accolades, Blackbird will now be released by respected indie Verve Pictures in May.

The film charts the story of aspiring young singer, Ruadhan (Andrew Rothney), who despairs as the fabric of his hometown begins to erode. There are no fish in the sea, no jobs and a steady exodus to the city. Life as Ruadhan loves it is slipping away and town bard Alec, played by the much-revered Gaelic personality Norman Maclean, has little stomach to fight the change.

Long-time best pal, Callum (Patrick Wallace), and returning childhood friend, Amy (Scarlett Mack), spark Ruadhan's struggle to keep the past alive. When Alec takes off to a retirement home in mysterious circumstances, Ruadhan must act quickly to save him and protect the town. As his battle spirals out of control, it soon becomes Ruadhan who needs saving. Also featuring legendary performers Margaret Bennett and the late Sheila Stewart, Blackbird brings much-loved heroes of the Scots folk revival to the big screen alongside up-and-coming Scottish talent.

From the director and distributor Of the partnership with Verve Pictures, director Jamie Chambers comments, 'I am thrilled that audiences can discover this film for years to come. While Blackbird cannot escape a sense of elegy at a time when the loss of a generation of tradition bearers is a very real phenomenon across Scotland, we hope the film embodies a sense of hope in depicting and embodying an engagement between Scots old and new.'

Colin Burch from distributor Verve Pictures adds, 'We are delighted to release Blackbird to audiences eager for significant and compelling storytelling.'