They say that necessity is the mother of invention and nothing could be truer than that, given the times that are in it.
But it’s also the mother of creativity if the programme of events, films and workshops at this year’s online Rathmullan Film Festival (18-21 February) are anything to go by.
Because in the true spirit of the festival’s ethos of being created and curated by the community, lockdown has given a great number of locals the opportunity to turn film makers to bring some amazing films to this year’s online festival, and to the Rathmullan and Donegal Diaspora living all over the globe.
It’s always been a film festival with a difference – it was set up to allow as many local people as possible to get involved and enjoy all aspects of the festival, from choosing the films, organising events to running workshops and making the films themselves
And from school children to vintage teenagers, Rathmullan’s community has answered the call.
Highlights from this year’s Rathmullan on Screen programme, taking a trip down memory lane include; ‘The Story of our Post Office: 50 years’ by Monica Santos, Martin Kelly and family; five films from the Archive of Arthur Lynch including ‘’Rathmullan Pier Opening – 1957’ and ‘Regatta Day 1960’ and ‘Memories of the Pier Hotel’ by Paul Deeney.
Bernie and John Kelly feature in The Story of our Post Office 50 years
THE STORY OF OUR POST OFFICE; 50 YEARS: a short film made by the Kelly family about Rathmullan’s Post Office under the stewardship of John and Bernie Kelly from 1971 to the present day.
RATHMULLAN PIER OPENING 1957: a short documentary by Arthur Lynch about the opening of Rathmullan Pier on Wednesday August 21, 1957
REGATTA DAY 1960: From the archives of Arthur Lynch, comes this fantastic footage of the traditional Regatta Day, filmed by Willie McIlwee from Milford, on a 16mm cine camera in 1960.
MEMORIES OF THE PIER HOTEL: Feature documentary by Paul Deeney about the Deeney family who ran the iconic hotel through the ages.
Rathmullan On Screen – Pier Hotel
Children from St Joseph’s and St Garvan’s National schools are the film makers and stars of a selection of short films covering everything from local histories to The Flight of the Earl’s.
And kids can take part in the following Zoom workshops:
Smart phone film making, Costume makeup, You Tube Film making, Flipbook Animation, Acting and Mobile Journalism.
Local girl Katie McAteer will be hosting the Mobile Journalism workshop
Youtube Filmmaking Workshop hosted by John R Ruddy
Pop open the popcorn and get your PJ’s on for the Gala Night Pyjama Party Watch Party on Thursday February 18 from 6.30pm, where you can watch the films that were made and submitted for the Lockdown Rathmullan and Love Rathmullan campaigns during Lockdown.
And you’ll never have a better Friday night in, than seeing if you can spot yourself 20 years ago at the Rathmullan Community Festival 2001 at another watch party hosted by Maurice Kelly from 8pm the following evening.
There’s really something for everyone, and all the films and Watch Parties are free.
The programme is now online at www. Rathmullan.ie/filmfest, where you can also pre-book the Zoom Workshops.
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