The Wandering and the Madness follows the journey of a Welsh woman who moves to the Isle of Eigg in search of deep isolation. Here she encounters the myth of Shuibhne (Sweeney), the mad wanderer that the bothy was named after. The 7th Century Gaelic king was cursed with madness and spent the rest of his life, half man half bird, wandering in the wilderness. It’s been suggested and never proved that he ended up on the Isle of Eigg.
Weaving myth, fiction, autobiographical elements, and stories of people she met on Eigg, Jenkins’ explores a visceral connection with nature, rooted in Celtic ecology and shamanism. The film attempts to understand Sweeney’s ‘madness’ through a contemporary lens, ultimately leading to a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Please note the film contains references to an abusive relationship, please take your time and speak with our team if you need additional support throughout the screening.