Staff Research Profiles

I researched and produced/ directed two short animated films in collaboration with The Royal Botanical Gardens, and Red Kite Animation, as part of "Flora Celtica". Flora Celtica is an international project based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, documenting and promoting the knowledge and sustainable use of native plants in the Celtic countries and regions of Europe.

To date the project has focused on the use of native plants in Scotland. This includes research into traditional knowledge and contemporary uses of the native flora, both domestic and commercial. The results are being published in both scientific and public literature. Achievements to date include the Millennium-funded Flora Celtica - Scotland 2000 (1999-2001), whose products include a database, a touring exhibition, a schools roadshow and various publications.

The project has an ongoing education programme including a roadshow for primary schools. In order to help promote sustainable commercial development of native plant products, it has also developed the prototype Online Scottish Plant Use Forum.

The films were based on the use and history of Herbs and medicines in Scottish Life. The final films were inspired by the short poems of two Scottish poets, one written in Gaelic and one translated into English, and narrated by myself.

Animated film "Hallaig". Produced & Directed by Neil K Kempsell in collaboration with Martyn Bennett.

My film is a visual exploration and interpretation of the poem Hallaig by Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean. The Poem originally written in Gaelic and translated describes a rural community, a village on the small Hebridean Island of Raasay. Tradgically it died, as a result of a combination of the effects of The Highland Clearances, poverty and lack of opportunity, and a failure to adapt to changing economic circumstances. The poem, and my film's aim is to give an evocation of the heartbreak and desolation of the Clearances which I find powerful and deeply moving.

The poem is full of characters, social integration and traditions, which I have portrayd through the use of symbolism, trees, woods, animals and light. Trees in particular are used to great effect in the poem, as they were of central importance in Gaelic tradition as metaphors, symbols and models for society made manifest in nature.

My film aims to enlighten and enrich the words of MacLean. To act as an emotional expression of passion and rage against the injustices inflicted on a Highland Society. The misuse of power for the sake of greed, and the contempt held by the civilised world for the natural world and its indigenous people. I believe MacLean saw Hallaig as a microcosm for the other problems and injustices of the world, such as Ireland, Africa, Bosnia, and the homeless of Edinburgh.

The techniques I have used in the film consist of mainly stop frame and time lapse digital video and super 8mm, filmed on location, and then digitally processed, layered and mixed in post production.

Project in development.

I am at present in the initial planning and development stages of making a new Animated film in collaboration with The Edinburgh Music School, based on another Martyn Bennett musical score. The film explores the colour and form of landscape and Gaelic symbolism and meaning through sound and time, and its links to The "Ceòl Mòr" or piobaireachd (literally meaning "pipering" or the actions of a piper).

Design