Some of you may remember the 1998 Robert Redford film THE HORSE WHISPERER, adapted from the Nicholas Evans novel of the same name and featuring an early performance from Scarlett Johansson alongside Kristin Scott-Thomas with Redford headlining.
Mankind’s bond and relationship with horses through the ages transcends generations, time and world view. In Lucy D’Cruz‘s indie documentary THE LONG QUIET, our focus shifts towards one man who decides to attempt a ground-breaking journey from Argentina to the Big Apple, as outlined in Aime Tschiffely‘s book Tschiffely’s Ride, who we learn became a global hero and upon arrival in New York received an invitation to meet the then-President of the United States.
The man in question is Irish-born Hugh MacDermott, who has had an incredible experience and life to date, the personification of the angry young child who never quite fitted in with the educational conformity of his peers and found that he had more affinity for being on the back of a horse growing up in Ireland.Â
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Couple this with family tragedy and his own personal and sexual awakening and the journey becomes a more significant priority as he trots his way across some incredible terrain that encapsulates the world spirit of a world apart from the British localities he was within as a child and teenager.Â
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Multi-hyphenate film-making talent D’Cruz has graduated from Bournemouth University, through her tenure at the likes of GMTV and MTV to become one of the most innovative documentary film-makers working presently.
Providing both a memorable insight into the world of horse riding and South American culture – as well as an enlightening journey of some who took a leap of faith to deal with his own personal challenges – THE LONG QUIET (the definition is revealed during the film) is a wonderful mix of human odyssey-cum-travelogue. (Warning: there is some natural nudity on show at one point in the documentary, but shouldn’t detract from the overall context and experience!)
THE LONG QUIET plays as part of the London Independent Film Festival 2024. For tickets and info please go to:Â
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Website: https://www.thelongquiet.com/
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