DOCS IRELAND DAY FOUR- TEARS AND MUSIC
WE LOOK BACK AT DAY FOUR AND FORWARD TO DAY FIVE
BEST BOY DISCUSSES CLANDESTINE PLOTS, EMOTIONAL FAMILY FILMS AND WOMEN FOLKING UP THE SYSTEM!
The day started as all good days should, with fiddling. That is to say, we saw, David Hammond’s, The Magic Fiddle from 1997.
David Hammond, The Magic Fiddle (1991)
First released in 1991, the film goes around the world to explore the deep love of the fiddle. From scholars in technique and the history of the violin to the type of people who may play trad in your local, the film features people from all walks of life. What unites them all is a deep passion for the instrument, all seemed to have been transfixed by it since birth, and the love has continued for the rest of their lives. The film was introduced by Neil Martin, long time collaborator and close friend of Davey. He worked as a researcher on the film, as well as a producer, and spoke with such care and love for not just the project, but Davey himself. He also let the audience in on a few stories from filming The Magic Fiddle, which added a personal touch to the experience of watching the film. A film that could unite all people, if you get a chance to watch it I wouldn’t miss out!
Then over to the old familiar, the QFT, for a touching and thrilling film. RANSOM ‘79.
Yesterday we also got the chance to watch the brilliant Ransom ‘79, by Colm Quinn. The film tells the story of an attempted heist in Ireland in 1974, but much further than that, it's a deeply touching tribute to legendary journalist, Charlie Bird. Charlie was known for breaking Ireland’s biggest stories, eventually working as the Chief News Correspondent for RTÉ. Unfortunately, in 2021, Charlie was diagnosed with MND, which took away his voice, but not his incredible spirit and passion.
Charlie had discovered the story of this heist after forty years of it being kept secret, and was determined to break the story, knowing it would be his last. The film weaves an incredible tale using interviews and reconstructions of the bizarre case. In 1979, the Ministry for Agriculture received an anonymous letter detailing that if they did not receive five million pounds, they would release Foot and mouth disease across Ireland, which would have decimated the economy. The threat was kept entirely secret, even the Taoiseach was not made aware, the ransom could not get out. As we follow the case, we learn new details as Charlie, and his collaborator and friend, Colin Murphy, do, eventually getting to the point that the money was to be handed over… And the unbelievable occurs…
The film ends with a very tender moment between Charlie and Colin, and acts as a touching and emotional tribute to the one and only, Charlie Bird.
Keep those tissues out we’re heading to another beautiful hard-hitting film
Everyone has an idea of Alzheimer’s, what it can take from people, what does to a family and the suffering it causes. It’s terrifying. Ross Killeen’s, Don’t Forget To Remember (2024), takes on this colossally terrifying thing, through the power of art.
The film features artist Asbestos most notably known for his street art, if you’ve been to the Sunflower, (which we have, a lot), you’ll have seen his work, LET ME UNSEE, pictured below.
LET ME UNSEE (Asbestos, 2022)
In this film, he takes on an artistic challenge of a different type of scale, in responding to his mother Helena’s dementia. We see typical of the condition it is worsening over time, with the doctor telling his father that she won’t be able to do things for herself as it progresses. Time is precious and although through terrible circumstances it seems to pull everything into perspective and give the artist a new vision of his parents. So he does as any creative person must and responds with his art.
Strike up the band, we headed to two musical events…
Last night was a night of wonder and music, as we got to see blur: To The End. The film follows the band’s return after a long hiatus, coming back together to record an album and tour, finishing with their first ever show in Wembley. A very personal look into the band’s lives, the film shows how each has changed since their time apart, and how very little changes in their love and relationships for each other, even if they haven't spoken in years. The film never shies away from showing the struggles the band has, growing older and facing their own mortality, alcohol and drug problems, injuries and everything else. the audience is welcome to see all. We see the band own up to past mistakes, some of them now living alone or with anxiety, it’s heartwarming to see that they can come back to each other and always have each other, even if they aren’t the best communicators, in their own words. To see their sold-out performance at Wembley at the end of the film feels like an absolute triumph. For Blur mega fans, it’s a must watch, and for Blur haters, don’t go see it because you’ll become everything you hate… a Blur fan.
WE ENDED OUR NIGHT RELIGIOUSLY.
As the sun set on the Solstice last night, we gathered in Rosemary Street Church for a life shifting event, Womenfolk. Combining archive footage and live singers, the whole room was connected in laughter and amazement. The first film was David Hammond’s film on Sarah Makem, finishing off Docs Ireland’s celebration of the amazing filmmaker. The film was a sweet look into her life, making her husband cups of tea, heading out on walks, and absolutely constantly singing. The film was followed up by a touching tribute from Sarah’s great-granddaughter, Stephanie Makem.
Next, we saw some rare footage of Maggie Barry, a folk singer and banjo player from Cork. We got to see her sing, as well as her interviews, which had the church alive with laughter. Following her up was Catriona Ní Ghribín, who performed songs she had collected from her home county, Donegal, which was absolutely beautiful to have the chance to hear.
After another round of beautiful, rare archive footage, Róis took to the stage for a mind-blowing performance, mixing electronic music with traditional Irish folk songs. In her performance, she mixed in archival keening songs, and she herself performed a Keen. Keening was a tradition in Ireland, a type of song women would sing at wakes and funerals, but was eventually banned by the Catholic Church. Only a few recordings of original versions exist. To be able to hear this live, and in a church, was extremely special.
The event was extremely special and something we shall cherish, it was the closest thing to a religious experience, a non-religious person could have.
NOW LET US LOOK AHEAD, DEAR READER.
Looking ahead to today, there are some incredible events going on, including the Cave of Forgotten Dreams from 2010, this is special for two reasons, it’ll be in the Avenue Cinema at 2:15 PM in 3-D!!!!!! And it’s a Werner Herzog film! As followers of our Instagram will know, Herzog is a personal friend of the show, and in his film, he goes into a cave, of forgotten dreams… in 3-D… ENOUGH SAID!
Then over to something we can’t wait to see, the incredible, The Black and The Green, from renowned documentarian, St. Clair Bourne. It follows five black civil rights activists as they visit Belfast in the 1980s. Sure to be a very interesting watch over at the QFT at 5:15 PM.
Next, the incredible 2023 film, Hollywoodgate from Ibrahim Nash'at, again on at QFT, it shows at 7:00 PM. This documentary is somewhat unbelievable, the access he has to the Taliban is unprecedented. It’s truly eye-opening about the situation within Afghanistan since the US Army pulled out suddenly in 2021. This will keep you on the edge of your seat, mainly because, the filmmaker could’ve been killed at any point by his subjects,
Finally, the competition shorts will be showing across tomorrow in the QFT. An exciting range of new interesting and powerful short films. If there are any film buffs out there this is a great way to see amazing films by both up-and-coming and already established filmmakers… It’ll get them Letterboxd numbers up too. Great aul’ stuff.
-Love, love, love, Best Boy.
