Screenings 08 January 2024

To See Ourselves – Special Event Screening

A special screening, featuring the director and stars of a new Scottish documentary, comes to the Hippodrome Cinema, Bo’ness on Saturday 27th January at 2.30pm.

This observational documentary set in 2014 is touring Scotland this year, 10 years after the vote on independence.

To See Ourselves is an unexpected, deeply personal account of the referendum as seen through the eyes of a pregnant filmmaker, as she follows her idealist father’s relentless activism and reveals the heart behind the politics during this historic crossroads for Scotland.

Filmed during the summer of 2014, Jane McAllister collated first-hand footage of the build-up to the referendum and its aftermath, all while “on the hoof, heavily pregnant and with no budget.” McAllister captured the energy, the friction and the endless debates of that landmark summer. Affectionate without being sentimental, sometimes moving and sometimes funny, the film is a valuable time capsule of a pivotal moment in Scotland’s history, and encourages empathy, self-reflection and open and constructive dialogue about the future.

To See Ourselves screens on Saturday 27th January at 2.30pm and you can get your tickets here. The event will feature an in-person introduction and post-screening Q&A with the director and lead protagonists from the film.

Alison Strauss Arts Development Officer (Film and Media) and Hippodrome programmer said:

“The title for this affecting film is, of course, taken from one of Robert Burns’ most famous poems: ‘To A Louse, On Seeing One on a Lady’s Bonnet at Church’, and is very fitting for this uniquely Scottish self-portrait. It is inspiring to think that reflecting on such a key moment in Scottish history, ten short years down the line, “wad frae monie a blunder free us” and we’re looking forward to sharing the film with our audiences in the same week as Burns birthday.”

Director Jane McAllister said: “This is not the kind of documentary most people expect, There is no voice over, no talking heads... real life plays out in front of you, this makes it very emotional.

I have been delighted by the reaction of audiences so far. People tell me they have been unsure of reliving something that meant so much to them, but when they watch this observational, surprising footage, they see something truthful and life affirming - a reflection of the quirks and familiar habits of Scottish life that you don't normally see on the big screen. It's funny, sad, joyful and poetic - about people and relationships more than the politics.”