Monday, January 31, 2011

Alternative Community Cinema in Donegal

This Friday February 4th the Alternative Community Cinema (ACC) presents an evening of awareness and discussion about the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and their presence in Ireland. The event, which takes place in Annagry Hall in West Donegal will include the screening of the film 'Shock Doctrine' and there will be a number of guest speakers, food and live music.

The ACC initiative was launched at the end of October last year by éirígí activists in County Donegal. Their intention is to show various films and documentaries over the next several months with the aim being to educate through the medium of film screenings and subsequent discussions and debate surrounding the issues raised in these films.



The first screening on October 29th last was a Cuban film entitled 'Kangamba' which drew a crowd of over 130 people to the small Annagry Community Hall in west Donegal. The film told the story of how Cuban internationalists fought along side the Angolan Liberation Armed Forces during the war against the apartheid forces of South Africa. Those gathered also enjoyed a selection of food and live music by the Afro-Caribbean band 'Talking Drums'.

Attending the launch and guest speaker on the night was the Cuban Ambassador to Ireland Teresita Trujillo, pictured below receiving a presentation from Adrian Begley of éirígí Tír Chonaill.



Outlining the reasons for establishing this initiative éirígí Tir Chonaill spokesperson Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig, co-ordinator of the ACC said that the aim of this new project was to “show the possibility of using cinema as an educational tool, rather than just the sole aim of entertainment that you tend to find with mainstream cinema today.”


He added: “ The aim is to hold a series of different events during which a film or documentary will be shown as a way to educate those who attend and inform them of various stories and issues from around the world, while also helping them to understand and appreciate other cultures.”

“We also hope that it will help build international solidarity and an appreciation and understanding of other cultures” he concluded.

Friday's event will commence at 7.30pm in Annagry Community Hall.  Guest speakers include Dr Andy Storey (Action from Ireland - AfrI), Shane O'Curry (Latin America Solidarity Campaign - LASC) and Independent Cllr Thomas Pringle (Donegal County Council).

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