About A Band

This documentary features Columcille Ceilidh Band which uniquely includes musicians with and without learning disabilities.

The band is based at the Columcille Centre in Edinburgh which provides day care, offering a range of activities and support to adults with learning disabilities. The filmmakers follow the band playing at a variety of venues in Scotland as well as at workshops for people with learning disabilities.

Interviews with the the band members show their working relationship and the inevitable tensions which exist within the band, but also the central role that music plays in their lives. The documentary includes an interview with Ian McCalman of Scotland’s top folk band The McCalmans and a sequence in which distinguished Scottish folk musician and composer Phil Cunningham plays with the band at a rehearsal. The film reveals how involvement in music can be inspiring and that disability is no barrier to the enjoyment of the creative process.

The film won the Commendation Award at International Folk Music Film Festival, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2011 in the longer film category.

If you'd like to sample a flavour of this documentary have a look at a few YouTube clips HERE and view our 3-minute film Just Play.

DVDS are now available. Call 0131 225 6745.

Stills