AN OBSERVATIONAL documentary set in Musselburgh in 2014 is set to start its tour of Scotland in East Lothian – 10 years after the Scottish independence referendum.
The film To See Ourselves is “an unexpected, deeply personal account of the referendum” as seen through the eyes of award-winning filmmaker Jane McAllister, from Musselburgh.
Filmed during the summer of 2014, Jane, who was pregnant with her daughter at the time, follows the “fervent” campaigning of her father, then Musselburgh SNP councillor and Yes campaigner Fraser McAllister, and “reveals the heart behind the politics during this historic crossroad for Scotland”.
After a successful theatrical release in 2023, production company New Licht Films will distribute the documentary throughout Scotland, from Kirkcudbright to Orkney, launching first in East Lothian on Robert Burns Day today (Thursday) at 7pm at The Fraser Centre in Tranent.
Jane, who directed the film, said: “I think people have been surprised by how much they enjoy watching the film.
“Some have entered the cinema with trepidation, not sure if they want to relive this time in their lives.
“But the film is funnier than you would think. It does have sadness but also a lot of joy... a blend of everything, because this is real life playing out in front of you, with all its contradictions and poetry.
“To see modern Scottish life shown on the big screen is unusual, I think. And the fact that most of the action takes place in Musselburgh, makes this a film about community, traditions and family life, probably more than the politics of the time.”
She added: “The majority of the filming takes place in Musselburgh as I was filming my father and his fervent campaigning in the lead-up to the vote.
“Musselburgh folk will enjoy seeing the High Street, harbour, Hollies Community Hub and the Musselburgh Festival – from 10 years ago – on the big screen.
“Observational documentaries are uniquely placed to show rather than tell the essential stories of our time.”
The film premiered at the Glasgow Film Theatre in Glasgow in September last year and afterwards went on to screen in cinemas throughout Scotland.
The 2024 regional tour will be screened in a mix of cinemas, theatres and community halls, with the aim this year to reach every region in Scotland.
Each screening will be followed by panel conversation with the director and lead protagonists.
Full details of the tour can be found on the film’s website toseeourselves.film and social media @newlichtfilms
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here