Rare Irish films never before screened in Australia will be shown this Saturday evening in Hamilton. Presented by the Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club, curator Aanya Mary is bringing the collection with the support of the Irish Film Institute, Culture Ireland, and the Irish Arts Council.
“The Irish have a fascinating film culture that merges right into their storytelling tradition but we see few of them here” said Aanya. “I’ve chosen a spread of films that show the fascinating history, living culture, poetry and unknown tales of Ireland.” The films will be presented in a special setting with live Irish music in a cultural atmosphere.
Special Guest Presenter Don Battée, American actor, writer and producer (The Sapphires, The Matrix, X-Men Wolverine) will hold a Q&A via Skype from Los Angeles on a film about the extraordinary yet unfamiliar story of African American slave Frederick Douglass (pictured above). It tells the story of the 19th Century ‘Martin Luther King’ and his escape, leading him across the Atlantic to take refuge in Ireland on the eve of the Great Famine in 1844 that fortified his spirit in his fight to end slavery. The film focuses on the powerful influence Ireland had on him and explores the turbulent relationship between African Americans and Irish Americans in general.
Other films to screen on the night include the remarkable “The Work of Angels – the Book of Kells” which reveals with close up photography the glorious achievement of the artists and scribes who left a heritage to the world of one of its highest artistic achievements from the Middle Ages.
This is a unique programme showing as a once only Special Event in Newcastle. Tickets are $10 for folk club members, $15 for non members and $12 for concession holders. It kicks off at 5pm at the Wesley Fellowship House Beaumont St, Hamilton. Program information is available at www.solferinocinemas.com
