Past screening

School Life

Directed by: Neasa Ní Chianáin, David Rane
Runtime: 1hr 39min Year: 2016
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Directed by: Neasa Ní Chianáin, David Rane
Runtime: 1hr 39min Year: 2016
Country: Ireland, Spain
Last Screened: Fri 13th Oct 2017

Amanda and John teach English and Rock ’n Roll at a Hogwarts-like Irish boarding school. This eccentric couple have worked magic in hilarious fashion on children for nearly 50 years, but leaving is the hardest lesson to learn.

“The most adorable documentary that Frederick Wiseman never made” – IndieWire

A year in the life of a boarding school in Ireland following two passionate and progressive teachers as they start to ponder retirement. John and Amanda Leyden have taught at Headfort school for over 45 years and each have their own approach to education. John sees music as a gateway to expression for the kids, supporting the school rock band to find their own voices while Amanda makes her connection through books, guiding her students on literary expeditions with a sense of awe.

Their anarchic and joyous school is the backdrop for this charming and warm portrait of their unique world, shaping the minds of the next generation and discovering that leaving is the hardest lesson to learn.