Film: The Ballad of Wallis Island

Funny, melancholy yarn of a folk duo reunited by oddball superfan.

THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND (2025) + local short film

Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island, dreams of getting his favorite musicians, Mortimer-McGwyer (Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden) back together. His fantasy quickly turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.

“Even if you aren’t a lover of folk music, the original songs in the film are beautiful and human in their exploration of love, joy, and pain. Even if you like your comedies uncomplicated, the interpersonal relationships in The Ballad of Wallis Island are worth it. It’s a film that is the very definition of the phrase, “It made me laugh, it made me cry.” There is beauty in a small cast and a goofy concept that is well executed. The Ballad of Wallace Island is very much one of those rare beauties.” Zach Youngs, In Session Film

Event includes also the screening of a short film directed by a local filmmaker (North West), to be announced.