Photo: ‘Aisling Trí Néallaibh : Clouded Reveries,’ a portrait of poet Doireann Ní Ghriofa’.
IndieCork, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, has released more details of this year’s diverse and packed programme. The festival, which takes place from October 2nd to 9th at The Gate Cinema, has announced its closing film by director Ciara Nic Chormaic. The documentary ‘Aisling Trí Néallaibh: Clouded Reveries’ is an intimate exploration of acclaimed writer Doireann Ní Ghríofa’s world and creative process.
Doireann Ní Ghríofa, who was resident in Cork city for many years, was catapulted into the international literary spotlight in 2020 with the publication of her debut novel ‘A Ghost in the Throat’. Lauded by the critics from The New York Times to The Guardian, it went on to win the Irish Book of the Year. ‘Aisling Trí Néallaibh: Clouded Reveries’ is a film about memories, motherhood and the mysterious nature of creativity. Captured through intimate performances of her own work and in-depth interviews, the film reveals Ní Ghríofa’s creative impulses and journeys with her to the heart of her inspiration, her home place in Co. Clare.
Festival Co-Director Mick Hannigan said: “We’re delighted to close out the festival with this wonderful documentary of a poet so associated with Cork, Doireann Ní Ghríofa. Doireann is hugely appreciated here, and Cork looks fabulous in the film. It promises to be a very special evening, with Doireann and director Ciara Nic Chormaic present to discuss the film. Festivals are all about creating these kinds of experiences, and we know that audiences will really enjoy this wonderful documentary.”
Film director Ciara Nic Chormaic said she’s thrilled and honoured that ‘Aisling Trí Néallaibh: Clouded Reveries’ is the closing film at IndieCork this year: “It feels like we are bringing the film home as so much of Doireann’s inspiration featured in the film, stems from Cork city and county.”
‘Aisling Trí Néallaibh: Clouded Reveries’ is one of many highlights of IndieCork 2022, which will see a diverse programme of international, Irish and local filmmaking. ‘Vicky’, a powerful documentary about the heroic work of health campaigner Vicky Phelan, was recently announced as the opening film at The Gate Cinema on October 2nd.
In addition, the programme features exciting new international films including the Irish premiere of Brazilian film ‘Rule 34’ by Julia Murat, winner of the ‘Golden Leopard’ at the recent Locarno Film Festival. The festival also hosts the premiere of ‘Joyland’ by Saim Sadiq, the first Pakistani film to screen in competition at Cannes Film Festival 2022, and winner of the Jury Prize in the Certain Regard section at Cannes.
IndieCork will also show ‘Traveller Shorts’ – a programme of short films (curated by a team from Cork Traveller Women’s Network). These are films that celebrate Traveller identity and widen awareness of issues impacting on the community, while celebrating Traveller actors and filmmakers. This is a collaboration between CTWN (a grass roots Traveller rights organisation in Cork city) and IndieCork.
IndieCork, in partnership with Cork Folk Festival, will also include in this year’s programme a music documentary strand ‘The Power of the Song’. These films focus on various aspects of the ballad and Irish music tradition, including the award-winning documentaries ‘The Laughing Boy’ (Best Documentary, Docs Ireland) and the US production, ‘The Job of Songs’ (Best Documentary, Galway Film Fleadh).
In addition, there will be an online offering from October 2nd to 16th. The festival is sponsored by Blacknight Solutions, Ireland’s largest web host and domain registrar. IndieCork is Ireland’s only arts festival in shared ownership, meaning that members own the festival and have a say in its development.