2005 Film Index Back to Main Site		Back 2005 Ellensburg Film Festival Best of Fest Hill 16 Drama, international Ireland / 122 minutes Directed and Written by Dermot Doyle Original Score by Dermot Doyle Northwest Premier Set in suburban Dublin, Hill 16 tells the story of teenager Niall Brady. Summer gang wars and a local drug problem has led to Niall living under a curfew. Niall withdraws, but his love of art and football fail to relieve the boredom as his friends enjoy the trappings of teenage life: relationships, image building, girls, etc. It is at this moment that Niall befriends Cel, a very attractive teacher from the local mixed school. Niall's intitial attraction to her is naturally for her beauty, an attraction that blinds him to her obsessive interest with his friends and their dealings in the local gang wars. As their relationship develops, Niall tries his utmost to keep his conceal his relationship with the older woman from his friends and likewise Cel is careful to only meet with Niall in places where they won't be recognized. Hill 16 is the debut feature film from the very multi-talented Irish director Dermot Doyle, who is ably assisted by an equally impressive cast. This smart and well-crafted coming-of-age film showcases Doyle's knack for witty, insightful dialogue and gift for blending observant humor with truthful drama.