BALLYCASTLE tells the story of Stuart Shils, a Philadelphia based painter of Jewish heritage, whose encounter with a remote coastal village in Ireland forever changed his life. A resident of an old industrial section of Philadelphia, Shils’ early paintings captured the light, color and rough texture of neighborhood streetscapes. Nearly ten years ago, he received an unexpected phone call from Ireland’s remote North Mayo coast inviting him to come and paint in Ballycastle. He went and his work and life were transformed. The documentary captures Ballycastle’s exquisite light, dramatic scenery and fierce, ever-changing weather as Shils encountered it. This stunning atmosphere attracts an increasing number of internationally recognized artists to live and work under the auspices of the Ballinglen Arts Foundation. Juxtaposed with Shils’ urban Philadelphia studio and work, the art of Ballycastle goes on display at the Balllinglen Arts Foundation and the Philadelphia Art Alliance. Two worlds, two audiences, who experience an artist’s transformation.