Private Project

Man of Arran

Man of Arran is a love letter to humanity from a wise man.

In step with these times and in tune with his environment: - it’s a homage to the craggy, rugged, wild Irish coastline. A gentle celebration of empathy and humility from an 82 year old swimmer pushing himself to impossible lengths in communion with nature and with compassion for a friends grief.

There are no stereotypes or cliches that chime effectively with this film but to connect with a few…

It is uplifting, inspiring and beautiful.

  • Paul McCambridge
    Director
    Best Director - LGFA - Man of Arran
  • Paul McCambridge
    Producer
  • Maureen McCoy
    Co Producer
  • Donal Macintyre
    Executive Producer
  • Patrick O' Kane
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Adventure, outdoors, swim, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Motivational, Inspirational
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 10, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    Ireland
  • Country of Filming:
    Ireland, United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Kendal Mountain Festival
    Kendal
    United Kingdom
    November 17, 2023
    Arranmore Island, Ireland
    Best of Kendal
  • London Global Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    December 1, 2023
    Best Short Film + Best Director
  • Mountain Festival Fortwilliam
    Fortwilliam
    United Kingdom
    February 16, 2024
    Peoples Choice Award
  • Capital Irish Film Festival
    Washington DC
    United States
    March 1, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Chicago Irish Film Festival
    Chicago
    United States
    March 1, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Am Docs
    Palmsprings
    United States
    March 24, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Liverpool Indie Awards
    Liverpool
    United Kingdom
    March 9, 2024
    Finalist
  • Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival
    Houston
    United States
    Gold Remi Award - Short Documentary
  • Doc Edge
    Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington
    New Zealand
    June 19, 2024
    Asia Pacific Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Paul McCambridge

Multi-Award-winning photojournalist and features photographer from Northern Ireland.
My photography has been published in newspapers and magazines nationally and internationally for 35+ years.
I diversified into filmmaking, whilst working around the Bay of Bengal, using the medium as a way to bring attention to important topics and issues that I felt needed a visual voice. I received the Simon Cumbers Fund, 2012 and 2015, for my photographic and video work on human trafficking.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This project was born out of a desire to share Paddy Conaghan's story, which is as much about personal determination as it is about the breathtaking landscapes that frame it.
"Man of Arran" is a cinematic exploration of the beauty of Ireland's coastline, juxtaposed with the inner strength of an 83-year-old man who refuses to let age define him.
Embarking on an extraordinary adventure: circumnavigating Ireland, diving into winter seas, literally immersing himself in Irelands rugged coastal beauty, and promoting the cause of mental health awareness.
Through, stunning visuals, heartfelt interviews, and Paddy's captivating storytelling, I aim to transport the audience into Paddy's world and his mission.
It is with great pride and passion that I present this film as my directorial debut and production. I've particular resonance with Paddy because he's doing this film for people who find the world too tough.