The world premiere of a documentary film by Marina Levitina, 'Loch Gréine: A Bright Vision', will take place at Pálás Cinema on July 9th as part of the 37th Galway Film Fleadh. Find out more about this film below - it sounds wonderful!
The documentary explores the stunning natural beauty and cultural history of the Graney Valley in East Clare through the eyes of the people living there and their deep love of the place. It celebrates a cherished landscape through poetry, music, and memory, while calling for its preservation for generations to come.
Known locally as the "Killarney of Clare", the Graney Valley lies within the Slieve Aughty special protection area and is home to unique biodiversity, ancient woodlands, the lake and the rivers, mythology and ancient sites. One of the most important contributions to Irish Literature from the eighteenth century, 'Cúirt an Mheán Oíche', was written by Brian Merriman on the shores of Loch Gréine.
Blue eyed grass growing at Lough Graney from the film 'Loch Gréine: A Bright Vision'
Marina Levitina, director of the film and co-founder of Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary, said; "This film was a real labour of love. It was such a delight to interview many members of the local community. My hope is that the film serves as a powerful reminder of what communities can do to protect the precious natural and cultural heritage where they live. The people who live here, the plants, the trees, the birds and the animals, the land herself, the river and the lake named after the goddess Grian, ancient Irish goddess of the Sun, are all part of this community and part of the film. It's also a call to action for everyone in Ireland to reflect on their own localities and ask: 'What more can we do to help?’. When we work together, we truly can achieve so much."
This is also a film with a broader message. In these challenging times of climate change and biodiversity loss it aims to inspire communities throughout Ireland to come together and offers a hopeful reminder of the strength found in collective action to bring about positive change.The documentary highlights this through the stories of fourteen diverse individuals from the rural communities of Flagmount, Corracloon More, Derrynagittah, Killanena, and Dromindoora – people who were either born and raised locally or chose to make the area their home, drawn by its undeniable beauty.
A still image from the film Loch-Greine depicting Derrynagittah Herb Garden
The film features stunning aerial photography combined with shots of rare native Irish plants, birds and animals, and features the music of the internationally renowned Irish fiddle player Martin Hayes, who hails from the Graney valley. It also portrays a number of native medicinal plants growing in the area and explores ancient sites, traditional agricultural practices, the meanings of placenames and the theme of emigration and immigration as well as the history of Camogie and traditional music in the area.
The film was funded by The Heritage Council Community Heritage grant.
Loch Gréine: A Bright Vision
A new documentary film by Marina Levitina
Wednesday July 9th from 11.15am (duration 57 mins)
at Pálás Cinema as part of the 37th Galway Film Fleadh
A post-show discussion will follow the screening
Book your tickets HERE.
Credits
Written, directed, produced and edited by: Marina Levitina
Cinematography: Colm Hogan, Marina Levitina
Music: Martin Hayes
Poetry: Brian Merriman, Joe Noonan
Song about Lough Graney written by Joe Noonan, performed by Mary Noonan.
Photos courtesy of Marina Levitina
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