Kernow Kino: King For A Day + Cornish shorts

Join us for a free Cornish film night on St Piran's Day!

King for a Day, directed by Barbara Santi, is a poetic archive-led documentary immersing us in the personal story of the people of Padstow, their ancient rituals and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. Tensions between tradition and progress punctuate the importance of cultural identity and the relevance of folk customs in our globalised society.

King for a Day is an intimate portrait of a place and community pushed to the margins. A cinematic journey interweaving audio-visual archive spanning 150 years. Will this be the last generation to tease the ‘Old Oss’ from her stable to welcome the Summer?

King for a Day is the inspirational story of indigenous Britain following a marginalized community at the heart of one of Europe’s oldest folk customs, told through the narratives and archives of its people. A personal insight into a community in transition – Padstow’s “sexy, savage springtime rite”, known as the Obby Oss, is an ancient, ritualistic celebration welcoming the summer on May 1st. Filmed over nine years in the shadow of Brexit, the documentary reveals how the tradition acts as a form of community defiance and a vehicle for the Padstow people to have a voice. For the first time, we see the significance of May Day through local eyes.

King for a Day is a story about friendship, hope, celebration and unity.

Before King for a Day, we will be watching two short films:

Mermaids
Writer / Director: Yasmin Joy Vigus
Two twenty-something former best friends Margo and Celest meet again at a hen party back in Cornwall, but under the waves of disappointment and failure, with the reunion cause them to sink or swim?

Mowes (Lass)
Writer / Director: Bryher Flanders
Jan works at her father’s old-fashioned clothing shop, but her life is about to change when singer Helen comes in to buy a suit.

Pasties are available for half time £4 each. Must be booked by Sunday 3rd March. Please email rodallday34[@]gmail.com 

This screening is part of Kernow Kino, a celebration of authentic representation of Cornwall on screen.

Kernow Kino is presented by C Fylm and Screen Cornwall, funded by the BFI Film Audience Network and UK Shared Prosperity Fund.