Solace in Wicca is a short biographical horror-drama about the 1617 execution of Margaret Quaine and her son Robert, the only executions for witchcraft recorded on the Isle of Man, and one of the last witchcraft executions to be sanctioned by the Church of England in the British Isles.
The short film was the first production to be shot entirely in Ancient Manx Gaelic, and was financed by Culture Vannin, CinemaNX and Isle of Man Film. It premiered at the Isle of Man Film Festival in September 2013 and was distributed online in November 2017 by Culture Vannin.
NX’s Steve Christian said, ‘I’m personally very excited about this local production as it allows us to explore the possibility of using the Island as a genuine setting and to tap into the world-wide interest in Halloween or Hop Tu Naa that some may claim has its origins in the Isle of Man. It creates a wonderful opportunity to support emerging local talent and at the same time turn the camera to focus on the Isle of Man as a setting’
Department of Economic Development member with responsibility for Film and Media, Laurence Skelly added, ‘Since the inception of Isle of Man Film back in 1995 the Island has developed a very healthy indigenous skill-base across all sections of the production industry. Nathan’s talents as a film-maker have long been recognised as he is a regular contributor to and frequent winner of the Arts Council’s Young Film-maker of Mann competitions. It’s an absolute pleasure to see his passion and skills developing in this way. We very much look forward to seeing Solace in Wicca up on the big screen.’