‘Other Land’ follows the path of Vittoria Farmer, a young Australian surfer who recently arrived in Donegal as she journeys through the raw landscape and history of the West of Ireland. This voyage will engage the senses uniquely and powerfully as Vittoria experiences the Atlantic Ocean, the wild and ever-changing elements and the ancient essence of Ireland for the first time.
Other Land was a highly collaborative project bringing together musicians and artists in Ireland to help create a bespoke soundtrack and artwork for the film. It was produced, directed, filmed and edited by Alice Ward.The inspiration behind the film is embedded in the ancient roots of Ireland and the wonderment and mysticism that is present at many of the Irish surf spots.
After spending six months working as a lifeguard & surfing in Newquay in 2021;
and the pandemic making it very difficult to travel freely or return home to Australia – I set a goal to challenge myself to an Irish winter. Having only surfed in a 4mm suit a handful of times before 2021, a 6mm suit with boots, hood & gloves is a foreign language.
I loaded up my car, queued my podcasts, and drove from Cornwall to Donegal.
Vittoria is 23 years old and from Noosa Heads, Australia. She has had a very successful competitive surfing campaign on the World Qualifying Series, including winning an unprecedented 3 WQS events in a row in 2018. She has since left the competitive arena to further develop her lifeguarding experience in the UK and chase her love for adventure & travel.
Alice Ward is a filmmaker and photographer from Ireland. She graduated from Dublin City University with a degree in Multimedia and then set up her own media company, Sea Pea Films.
Her first surf film, Ebb and Flow, which she filmed, edited and directed, went on to have international success.
It was selected to screen in 15 film festivals worldwide. Ebb and Flow was awarded the best ‘Women in Surf’ film at the Portuguese Surf Film Festival and came second in the ‘Best of the Festival’ category at The Her International Film Festival.
Alice also got an honorary mention at The Indie Cork Film Festival for ‘Best Emerging Irish Female Director’.
Having grown up surfing in Ireland, Alice deeply connects to the Atlantic Ocean and the landscape she interprets uniquely through her work. She is currently one of a tiny handful of women shooting in the water in Ireland.
Learn more about the film here.