Paisley woman directs film about mythical Scottish creature

Kerry Browne, 34, has completed filming for her latest project Song of the Selkie, which is now in post-production.

Written and directed by Kerry, the film tells the story of Isla as she moves back to the Scottish Highlands with her father.

Set over two time periods, the dialogue features a mix of English and Scots Gaelic as the Selkie brings resolution to the two character's own personal journeys. 

Kerry said she was inspired to produce and direct the film herself after receiving positive feedback about her spec script.

The writer and actress said: "It won the Los Angeles Film Awards for Best Script and was one of three official nominees for the British Shorts Film Festival for Best Script.

"The script was nominated for Raindance as well this year for Best Script, so I was very happy with that.

"The fact that these were just for the script really gives me hope for what the film can then accomplish once we edit it all together."

Filming took place in Portpatrick, in Dumfries and Galloway, and near the 9ft bronze statue of Kópakonan (The Seal Woman), in the Mikladalur harbour of Kalsoy, one of the Faroe Islands.

Kerry described the experience of directing her first film as "absolutely amazing".

The former St Andrew's Academy pupil said: "The people that were in my crew were exceptionally talented individuals, as well as being so supportive.

"We shot the Faroe Islands scenes in 2022 and we used that footage to get investors and raise money to make the rest of the film."

Earlier this year, Kerry set up her own production company Seal Woman Productions to produce more content based on Scottish history, myth and culture.

She said: "When I was young, our family holidays were in the Highlands and I've basically seen every inch of Scotland.

"We didn't grow up with a lot of money so it was really all we could afford but I wouldn't swap my childhood for anything.

"Without it, I don't think I would have this deep love for Scottish culture and heritage, as well as the legends and the myths."

Kerry is hoping to release Song of the Selkie next year and is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to help raise funds for the post-production process.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit bit.ly/3sU2Pd2.