On the occasion of the presentation of the Honourary Goyesca to Ken Loach and the Spanish premiere of Route Irish in the Ronda Festival, we present an introduction to the work of the British director from the hand of his scriptwriter Paul Laverty, who will talking in public with the British director and presenting a review of key titles in the oevre of this great film-maker.

» Land and freedom (1969)
» Sweet sixteen (2002)
» 11’09”01 – 11th of september (2002) (a segment of “United Kingdom”)
» The Win That Shakes the Barley (2006)

I am often asked “Would you mind writing a few lines, around 8-10 or so, on your working relationship with Ken.”  Suddenly my mind goes blank.

After years of reflection it appears to be not unlike cooking in that the secret to any long running collaborative effort is down to a) ingredients b) timing.

No matter where we find ourselves, whether it is London, Glasgow, Madrid,  Jordan  Nicaragua,  or even rural Ireland it is of vital importance to the creative process to find a good cup of coffee.  For maximum effect on fast decaying brain cells this must take place precisely between 10.20 and 10.30 am – a second later, and the spell is gone.

Then again, no matter where we find ourselves, whither it is a bog, traffic jam, or film set, as the afternoon begins to slide into evening, it is equally important to find a good bar of chocolate.  For maximum effect on decaying braincells this must be consumed between 4.45 and 5.15 pm – a second later, and the spell is gone.

Between coffee and chocolate is still a bit of  a mystery, but time does fly fencing with a tough mind and a tender heart.

Paul Laverty