Debut film from Brian Henry Martin added to DFA
Date: 29/02/2016 10:40
Made in 1992, Donaghadee: You Don't Know What It's Really Like, is the first documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Brian Henry Martin. For years, Martin had believed the film - shot on video Hi8 - to be lost, but when the rushes were recently rediscovered he was able to recut it.
The result is a charming, intimate portrait, not only of life in the coastal town, but of the filmmaker's relationship with his aunt.
Whilst he has since gone on to direct over 25 documentaries - from the home movie series, Super8 Stories (2003-2006) to The Other Prince William (2015) - Martin considers the experience of making Donaghadee as the crucial first step in his, then, fledgling career:
"Today, when I am asked, 'How did you get into the industry?', the answer is simple. 'I made a film with a camera I borrowed.' In December 1992, without really knowing what I was doing, I spent three days with my aunt in Donaghadee. She was a retired shopkeeper and spinster who was delighted to talk to me. We ended up laughing about feeling lonely, losing keys and getting attacked by a dog. For me, it was the beginning of my filmmaking career and for that, I will always be grateful to my Aunt. So my advice to all young filmmakers, is 'start with what you know'."