Mostly British Film Fest: Bellbird

This gentle film centers on a Northland dairy farmer, Ross (Marshall Napier), who is locked away in stoic silence. There is certainly an intimidating quality to his steely reserve but not for his sweet, upbeat wife, Beth, who manages to reach him. When she dies, he retreats even further inward. Unable to express his grief, his sensitive son and the community reach out to help. This emotionally tender film unfolds with gentle warmth not through words but gestures, which forge a deep bond in the community. Set against delightful cinematography of isolated rural landscapes and farm life in New Zealand, natural and psychological elements softly weave together.