THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND

Eccentric lottery winner Charles Heath (Tim Key) lives alone on remote Wallis Island, where he invites his favourite folk duo—Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) and his ex partner Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan)—to perform exclusively for him.

He offers them £500k each, but conceals that the gig is for one audience: himself, in memory of his late wife. Tensions flare when old wounds resurface, fueled by jealousy, unmet expectations, and creative conflict. Amid quirky island life and Charles's endearing eccentricity, the trio begin to heal. Music becomes a bridge, helping them confront grief, lost love and the passage of time. As night falls and lanterns rise, each finds solace: Charles in connection, Herb and Nell in closure—and hope for new beginnings.

Special Feature: Includes the original short film, and The Ballad of Wallis Island does SXSW short.