The wait is nearly over! Arts for Health participants from Skibbereen Community Hospital are heading to Fastnet Film Festival this weekend to see their short film on the big screen!
Starting life as a song-writing project, The Town That Has Nurtured My Dreams has become a celebration of Skibbereen, and the stories and creativity of the people who call it home.
Making the Film
The project grew out of the sharing of favourite songs that happens weekly as part of Arts for Health sessions with composer and musician Justin Grounds.
Justin shared his experience of the making process, ‘The residents decided it was high time for a new song for the town which celebrates all the fabulous places and wonderful new families who have come back to make it their home. Josie Mackle, a member of the group and keen poet, set about composing a poem about the history of the town, and then the group began their songwriting process by choosing some of their favourite lines from the poem, and mixing them with ideas from their favourite places – such that the song is like taking a tour around the town, from Fields Coffee Shop to West Cork Hotel!’
Visual artist Sharon dipity produced beautiful line drawings with the residents, reflecting the places mentioned. Additionally, Sharon helped with filming and recording performances for the video with Justin. The film is a tribute to the residents’ creativity, with animations, drawings, poetry reading, musical soundscape and singing all woven together.
Fastnet Film Festival
Fastnet Film Festival is a short film festival that takes place annually in Schull. Over 500 short films from over 40 countries are entered into competition each year. We were delighted to learn that The Town That Has Nurtured My Dreams had been selected for this year’s programme. In celebration, Justin and the hospital staff organised a party. The festivities included a red carpet, fancy dress, polaroid pictures, and Oscar awards!
The songwriters and filmmakers at Skibbereen Community Hospital look forward to attending the festival this weekend!
The Town That Has Nurtured My Dreams is screening as part of the Local Interest category at Fastnet Film Festival, Sunday 25 May, 3:30pm – 4:35pm. Visit www.fastnetfilmfestival.com for more information.
Poster by Justin Grounds.