The Ballad of a Great Disordered Heart

A collaborative film by Aidan O’Rourke, Becky Manson and Mark Cousins (2022)

Producer, John Archer - Hopscotch Films
Production Manager, Charlotte Hailstone

A film about the handful of streets around the Cowgate in Edinburgh which have long housed a proud Irish diaspora. A film about folk music and its power to connect people. 

Musician Aidan O’Rourke, from the celebrated folk trio Lau, lives in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. During lockdown, Aidan got to know three of his octogenarian neighbours, all called Margaret, and listened to their stories. Aidan brings together a group of sensational Irish and Scottish folk musicians and explores through music and storytelling what home and belonging mean.

Featuring a stunning original soundtrack by O’Rourke and live performances by Liam Ó Maonlai, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Comac Begley, Róisín Chambers and Aoife Ní Bhriain.

  • release. 2022
    genre. feature documentary

  • creative collaborators. Aidan O’Rourke, Becky Manson and Mark Cousins
    composer & writer. Aidan O’Rourke
    producer. John Archer
    production manager. Charlotte Hailstone
    director of photography & editor. Becky Manson
    devised & additional cinematography. Mark Cousins
    musicians.  Liam Ó Maonlai, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Comac Begley, Róisín Chambers, Aoife Ní Bhriain, Aidan O’Rourke
    sound recordists. Angus McPake & Paul Hartmann
    sound mix. Ali Murray

    executive producer. Edinburgh International Festival

  • country. Scotland, UK
    Hopscotch Films
    Edinburgh International Festival

  • world premiere. Edinburgh International Film Festival 2022

    Scottish screening tour 2022

  • Screen Scotland