Pennan’s Local Hero Celebrates 25th Anniversary

BBC Culture Show working with Aberdeen City & Shire Film Office

Posted: 18/11/2008

In 1982, the small coastal village of Pennan in Aberdeenshire was one of the main film locations for Bill Forsyth’s much loved eighties classic film, Local Hero.

A quarter of a century on, the veteran Scottish film-maker marked the 25th anniversary of this British cinema masterpiece, with his first return visit to the Aberdeenshire village.

Anniversary celebrations included a special free screening, an insightful one to one interview, and an excellent live performance by originally featured Local Hero ceilidh band, the Acetones.

All celebrations were filmed by the BBC2’s flagship arts programme The Culture Show. Presenter, film critic and Local Hero aficionado, Mark Kermode said:

“Being given the chance to meet with Bill Forsyth in the very place where Local Hero was filmed has been a real thrill. Coming into the village today was like coming into a magical place, I could hear the soundtrack ringing in my ears.”

In his introduction to the screening, BAFTA winning director, Bill Forsyth admitted:

“You know, I haven’t actually watched the film for 23 years. I can’t think of a better place to watch it than here in Pennan, the location that inspired its legacy. It is also a surprise and delight that people still like the film. After all it’s not many films that get a 25th anniversary party.”

With locals and Pennan residents turning out in force, the event really brought the whole community together. With some locals having made appearances as extras in the film, the evening was one of reflection on experiences, memories and the impact the film has had on the village.

The anniversary interview and celebrations will be broadcast tonight (Tuesday, November 18) on BBC2 at 10pm, repeated on Friday November 21, at 11.30pm. Highlights of which will then be available on the Culture Show website www.bbc.co.uk/cultureshow and the BBC i-player.

The story of Local Hero is of an oil billionaire who sends an employee to Furness (Pennan) Scotland, to buy the entire village property rights, where they plan to build an oil refinery. The canny locals cannot believe their luck and look forward to their new fortunes. Their dreams are however hampered by a local hermit and beach scavenger who lives and owns the Furness beach. The Billionaire flies out to settle negotiations but ends up falling in love with the village, deciding instead that it’s of great natural significance.

Aberdeen City and Shire Film Officer Neil Shirran remarked:

“This was a fantastic event. Local Hero is a personal favourite of mine, so I was extremely pleased to meet both Bill Forsyth and Mark Kermode, helping to celebrate Local Hero’s 25th anniversary.

“Local Hero is not only a great Scottish (funded and made) international success, it also serves as a prime example of the benefit of film tourism to not only Pennan, but Aberdeenshire and Scotland.”

“With film tourism accounting for 10% of the total value of tourism in the British economy, at around £1.8 billion a year, it is clear to see why the film, television and photographic industries are so important to the Scottish economy.”

The Aberdeen City and Shire Film Office provides advice and information on all film related issues in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire area. It offers assistance with locations, sourcing crew and equipment and providing business advice for those looking to acquire project funding.

For more information about the Aberdeen City and Shire Film Office please visit the website on www.filminginscotland.com or contact us on neil.shirran@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Contact e-mail address

neil.shirran@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Website link

www.filminginscotland.com