Set in a small village on wind-swept Corrie Island, just off the coast of Ireland, A Shine of Rainbows is a heartwarming film that follows an orphan's struggle to find acceptance and belonging in his new home.
Shy and picked on by the other boys in the orphanage, eight-year-old Tomás (John Bell) can't believe that of all the children, the warm and beautiful Maire O'Donnell (Connie Neilsen) has chosen to adopt him. Before he knows it, he is in Maire's care, sailing over the open water toward a new life. But Tomás's optimism about a better future begins to wane when he meets Alec (Aidan Quinn), Maire's husband. Alec can't hide his disappointment that Tomás isn't the kind of child he was hoping for, and his reticence to get to know Tomás leaves the boy wondering why this or any other family would want to adopt him.
Undeterred by her husband's reserve, Maire introduces Tomás to the wonders of his new world and makes it clear that he is exactly the right child for the family. Through her love and encouragement, Tomás's self-confidence grows; consequently, he finds himself making friends, adjusting to his new home and even rescuing an orphaned seal pup that he learns to care for. However, in order for the adoption to be official, Alec's signature is required, a commitment he seems unwilling to make. Worried about being sent away, Tomás faces his greatest challenge as he tries to find a way to change Alec's mind.
Canadian Vic Sarin has crafted an inspiring and uplifting tale, highlighted by wonderful performances from Nielsen, Quinn and newcomer Bell, and featuring Sarin's own outstanding cinematography capturing the panoramic beauty of the rugged Irish coast. A Shine of Rainbows sensitively explores the bumpy path of a child's journey to selfdiscovery, proving there is a little magic in all of us if only we take the time to find it.
Allen Braude
Vic Sarin was born in Kashmir. He has worked extensively as a cinematographer for film and television, including the documentary series
Millennium: Tribal Wisdom and the Modern World (92)
and the films
Bye Bye Blues (89) and
Margaret's Museum (95). His credits as director and cinematographer include the Genie Award-winning
Cold Comfort (89),
Trial at Fortitude Bay (94),
The Legend of Gatorface (96),
Sea People (99),
Partition (07)
and
A Shine of Rainbows (09).