Méabh O’Hare’s fascinating documentary “Ag Taisteal Siar” explores the rich musical heritage of Ireland’s Traveller community -- a driving force in Irish music since the 1960s ballad boom. It is full of spellbinding performances and interviews with such legends as Kathleen Keenan, Sarah Dunne, Sharyn Ward, Niamh Dunne and Steo Wall.
The Festival’s closing night film is a locally made short film by Cian O’Connor “An Chathair Mhór.” Filmed in Woodlawn in The Bronx, and produced with a primarily Irish cast and crew, O’Connor tells the touching story of a young man who travels to New York from Ireland where he rediscovers his love for Gaeilige through minding his grandaunt Breda in her last days.
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Déanann an clár faisnéise suimiúil “Ag Taisteal Siar” le Méabh O’Hare iniúchadh ar oidhreacht shaibhir cheoil phobal an Lucht Siúil in Éirinn — fórsa lárnach i gceol na hÉireann ó aimsir borradh na mbailéad sna 1960idí. Tá an scannán lán de léirithe mealltacha agus d’agallaimh le finscéalta ar nós Kathleen Keenan, Sarah Dunne, Sharyn Ward, Niamh Dunne agus Steo Wall.
Is é an gearrscannán a rinneadh go háitiúil, “An Chathair Mhór,” le Cian O’Connor scannán deiridh na féile. Scannánaíodh an saothar i Woodlawn sa Bronx, agus le foireann aisteoirí agus criú den chuid is mó áitiúil, insíonn O’Connor scéal corraitheach fear óg a thaistealaíonn go Nua-Eabhrac ó Éirinn, áit a n-athaimsíonn sé a ghrá don Ghaeilge agus é ag tabhairt aire dá aintín mhór Breda ina laethanta deireanacha.