Shinrone film project launch next week

The latest film project funded by Offaly County Council under the per cent for art scheme is to be officially launched next Friday, November 30. With a working title of "Overheard in Shinrone" the project will be launched in the Shinrone Community Centre at 7.30pm on the evening and an invitation has been extended to all. In the 1960s RTE film crews visited Shinrone to capture a microcosm of rural Irish culture. "Overheard in Shinrone" takes that footage as a starting point and will strive to explore local residents' impressions, memories, dreams and attitudes about their community in an effort to capture the authentic voice of Shinrone. The film wil be made by Offaly residents Steven Goldsmith and Declan Barret. Writer and director Goldsmith said the project is not meant to be a documentary, but rather an exploration into what makes Shinrone special. Part of next Friday's launch will include local residents being given an opportunity to answer exactly what does make Shinrone special, with the results informing the next stage of filming in the project. The launch will also include a brief description of the project and a viewing of the 1967 RTE documentary, while film makers will also film the evening and eavesdrop on discussions about the community including President Obama's Shinrone heritage and brushes with celebrities over the years. Arts Officer Sinead O'Reilly says there are many stories of interest to be told in Shinrone. "Using film to tell these stories has a great appeal in terms of reaching out and revealing the shared values of village life," she said. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to develop this project for the community of Shinrone and we hope that local people will be enthusiastic about being part of it." The film project will continue over the winter months around Shinrone and it's hoed to premiere the results locally in the spring. More information on the project is available by calling 057 9357400, emailing arts@offalycoco.ie or following "Overheard in Shinrone" on Facebook.