Return To Summerisle 4.5% IPA

On 3rd May 2025, Newton Stewart Cinema presented a very special event. It was the world premiere (limited) of the new documentary: “Return to Summerisle – Something about Sacrifice.” This event was the biggest event of the year for the cinema in Newton Stewart and was attended by cast and crew of the original film ‘The Wicker Man’ 1973, which was filmed in the area and also premiered in the same cinema.

This new documentary, while filmed across 5 countries, was predominantly filmed around Dumfries and Galloway (including in the Newton Stewart cinema itself!). It follows the exploits of a mad Irish man and first-time filmmaker, Fergal O’Riordan, as he tries to capture the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Wicker Man. Struggling with a stubborn,  headstrong film crew (his two nieces), he takes on the impossible odds of trying to create a film with no experience, no budget and unproven talent….

As the project spirals from “something to do during Covid”.. to an all- consuming obsession that threatens to engulf his family, finances and sanity, he encounters a coven of witches on a remote Scottish island, suffers the “Curse of the Wicker Man”, meets a human bone dealer, uncovers some of the film locations never seen before, burns a wicker man on the same spot in Burrowhead, Isle of Whithorn, 50 years later….. and along the way he is forced to learn about the true nature of sacrifice.