A Shine of Rainbows

Set in a small village on wind-swept Corrie Island, just off the coast of Ireland, A Shine of Rainbows, which screened to family audiences at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival®, is a heartwarming film that follows an orphan’s struggle to find acceptance and belonging in his new home.

Shy and picked on by the other boys in the orphanage, eight-year-old Tomás (John Bell) can’t believe that the warm and beautiful Maire O’Donnell (Connie Neilsen, Battle in Seattle) has chosen to adopt him, of all the children. Before he knows it, he is in Maire’s care, sailing over the open water toward a new life. But Tomás’s optimism about a better future begins to wane when he meets Alec (Aidan Quinn, The Assignment), Maire’s husband. Alec can’t hide his disappointment that Tomás isn’t the kind of child he was hoping for, and his reticence to get to know Tomás leaves the boy wondering why this or any other family would want to adopt him.

Undeterred by her husband’s reserve, Maire introduces Tomás to the wonders of his new world and makes it clear that he is exactly the right child for the family. Through her love and encouragement, Tomás’s self-confidence grows; consequently, he finds himself making friends, adjusting to his new home and even rescuing an orphaned seal pup that he learns to care for. However, in order for the adoption to be official, Alec’s signature is required, a commitment he seems unwilling to make. Worried about being sent away, Tomás faces his greatest challenge as he tries to find a way to change Alec’s mind.

Canadian Vic Sarin has crafted an inspiring and uplifting tale, highlighted by wonderful performances from Nielsen, Quinn and newcomer Bell, and featuring Sarin’s own outstanding cinematography capturing the panoramic beauty of the rugged Irish coast. A Shine of Rainbows sensitively explores the bumpy path of a child’s journey to self-discovery, proving there is a little magic in all of us if only we take the time to find it.



CRITICAL NOTES

FILM INFORMATION

Director: Vic Sarin
Cast: Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell
Year: 2009
Runtime: 100 minutes
Country: Canada/Ireland
Language: English
Distributor: E1 Entertainment


Ratings: ON NR / BC NR / AB NR / SK NR / MB NR / QC NR / Maritmes NR

SCREENING DATES AND TIMES 

Jan 29, 2010 
Circuit Centre: Salmon Arm
Province: British Columbia
Circuit Group Name: Shuswap Film Society
Venue:Salmar Classic Theatre
Where else is this film screening in Film Circuit?

UPCOMING FILMS IN Salmon Arm
09/11/2010 Trotsky
09/18/2010 Please Give
09/25/2010 Secret in Their Eyes
10/02/2010 Kids Are All Right
10/06/2010 Exit Through the Gift Shop
10/09/2010 Get Low
10/16/2010 I Am Love
10/23/2010 Winter's Bone