Finis Terrae + Live performance of a newly composed original score

This event is free to members of the Birnam & Dunkeld Film Society - visit this page to purchase a membership for the full 26/27 Season.

Presented by Cinetopia Salon, FINIS TERRAE + LIVE SCORE ON TOUR features Jean Epstein's silent masterpiece in a stunning 4K restoration by Gaumont, accompanied by a live performance of a new, original score by Edinburgh-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Dan Abrahams and French drummer Philippe Boudot.

Jean Epstein's 1929 silent masterwork tells the story of four seaweed harvesters on a remote island off the coast of Brittany, cut off from the world as they toil amidst burning pyres of kelp. A petty quarrel arising between two of the group, Ambroise and Jean Marie, quickly turns to tragedy, leaving Ambroise with an undetected poisoned wound. When later he is discovered delirious and feverish, Jean-Marie must take him to nearby Ouessant island, across the fog-laden, turbulent sea, to reach a doctor.

Shot in a documentary-style, using local non-actors, Jean Epstein’s camera reveals an unforgiving, isolated environment where men live a hard, rudimentary existence of toil against the sea and the elements. Through experimental techniques, Epstein frames the landscape, the sky, and the waters in a highly poetic visual style, rich in atmosphere, and a dual sense of menace and beauty.

This film is rated U — suitable for all. Under-16s attending should be accompanied by a responsible adult for the full duration of the event.

About the musicians:

Daniel Abrahams:  Composer, guitarist and double-bassist Daniel is deeply embedded in the Edinburgh folk, jazz and contemporary classical scenes where he lives. With his Scottish contemporary folk duo Dowally, he has soundtracked two Scottish archive films - ‘ReDrawing Edinburgh’ and ‘I Ken Whaur I’m Gaun’, as well as creating music for award-winning Belgium short ‘Les Racines de l’Eau’.

In 2024 he was commissioned by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra to write Hope In The Dark, featuring a percussion instrument made from bicycle wheels. The Scotsman wrote that "...the stylish mix of blues and jazz with a nod to Scottish folk music in a beguiling violin solo was captivating.”

Daniel is currently working with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra as part of their Film Composer Lab programme, as well as composing for ensembles such as Calton Consort and Butter Quartet.

Philippe Boudot: Born in Normandy, France, Philippe Boudot discovered the drums at 15. He trained both in London and at conservatories in Saint-Brieuc and Paris. 

Drawing from a wide range of influences—from Afro-Cuban music, jazz, rock, and funk to Brazilian rhythms and repetitive electroacoustic music—his approach to drumming blends acoustic tradition with contemporary experimentation. His use of sampling, inspired by acts like the duo Bumcello, adds a distinctive texture to his performances. This versatility is reflected in his diverse collaborations, including touring with singer Clara Ysé for her latest album, performing jazz with Brame de Zéphyr, and playing with Samba de la Muerte both in France and internationally. 

His connection to the UK music scene continues through his work with Dowally, with whom he recently performed at Glasgow's Celtic Connections festival.

About Cinetopia:

Cinetopia is a film events and exhibition company based in Edinburgh with a mission to connect the film industry, foster conversations, and produce engaging opportunities for audiences to experience cinema through various offerings such as film screenings, pop-up cinema, workshops, masterclasses, and networking events.