Irish documentary In Loco Parentis (now rebranded School Life for the North American market) has won the Jury Prize for the Best International Documentary at the Docville festival in Leuven, Belgium.
Neasa Ní Chianáin and David Rane’s heart-warming documentary In Loco Parentis/School Life tells the story of Headfort, the last remaining boarding school for primary age children in Ireland. Directed by Ní Chianáin with co-direction for David Rane and set on a sprawling estate in Kells, Co. Meath, the documentary melds two seemingly incongruent worlds as the ultra-modern teaching of Headfort’s brilliant staff is set against the 18th century backdrop of the school’s grand reception rooms, long corridors and secret doors. The idyllic surroundings provide a space where teachers become mentors and surrogate parents as they usher the young pupils through their last days of childhood.
In Loco Parentis/School Life is produced by Soilsíu and financed by the Irish Film Board, the Broadcast Authority of Ireland, RTÉ, TVE, and Creative Europe.
Docville is a festival dedicated to documentary film, with a strong focus on national and international author driven cinema. Films that not only appeal to the head but also the heart, made by directors with personality and vision. Films that deserve the big screen. The 2017 festival took place from March 22nd to 30th.