Birr Theatre will host a special screening of Atlantic
A special screening of the brand new documentary Atlantic will take place at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Friday, June 3.
From the maker of The Pipe, Risteard Ó Domhnaill’s new film Atlantic takes on the powerful interests carving up Ireland’s ocean resources. Emmy Award-winning actor Brendan Gleeson narrates the film shot across Ireland, Norway and Newfoundland (Canada) by Scannáin Inbhear (Inver Films). Atlantic was awarded Best Irish Documentary at the Dublin International Film Festival 2016.
A collaboration spanning Ireland, Norway and Newfoundland (Canada), Atlantic follows the fortunes of three small fishing communities as they struggle to maintain their way of life in the face of mounting economic and ecological challenges. As the oil majors drive deeper into their fragile seas, and the world’s largest fishing companies push fish stocks to the brink, coastal people and the species they rely on may be reaching a point of no return.
Mr O’Domhnaill said “my last documentary, The Pipe, told the story of a small coastal community as they faced down one of the world’s most powerful oil companies, which was forcing a high-pressure raw gas pipeline through their farms and fishing grounds. The story raised more questions for me than it answered, leading me to look at the politics of our oil and gas prospects off the Irish coast. What has since unfolded is an incredible story of resource mismanagement, and the capture of our offshore riches — oil, gas and fishing — whilst our gaze is elsewhere.”
“Unfortunately, what I found when I looked across the Atlantic is that Ireland’s tale is not unique. However, in both Norway and Newfoundland, the lessons learned by similarly affected communities can help us to chart a different course, before our most renewable resources are damaged beyond recognition, or sold to the highest bidders.”
Commenting on his involvement, Brendan Gleeson said that “Atlantic is an engrossing piece of truth-seeking, visually stunning and crafted with clarity and insight. It was an honour to be involved.”
The screening at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Friday, June 3 at 8pm. It will be followed by a Q & A with director Risteard Ó’Domhnaill. Tickets €7/€5 To book: www.birrtheatre.com Box Office 057 91 22911.