Left to right: Catriona O'Reilly, Cavan Arts Officer, Sean Burns, Camille Donegan, Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley, Kim Doherty, Maya Matthew.
On Friday 24th February 2023 we had the launch of the very unique and special art film : ‘A Cushla my own native land’. It was a lovely evening where the Artists and Industry Professionals shared the art film which was inspired by the memory and lived experiences of people living with Dementia in Cavan.
The short film allowed residents of The Sullivan Centre Cavan, share their memories which became the inspiration for an art film focusing on beauty and loss set in the Cavan landscape. Kim Doherty met with residents for reminiscence sessions supported by Raquel Montero Calero. Residents shared their memories of childhood, special times in their lives as well as their up-bringing on farms and the beauty of the landscape. Maya Mathew and staff of Sullivan Centre Cavan supported this process. Their voices direct the short 360 film. The film derives its name ‘A Cushla my own native land’ from a favourite song of a resident. The film brought together diverse skill sets using both virtual reality headsets and 360 film technology.
There was a lovely warm atmosphere in the Townhall where guests were welcomed with music from Martin Donohoe and Fintan McManus on arrival and our Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Paul Feeley commenced proceedings with a short speech and some words of welcome to all who attended. After the film there was an open invite to try the headsets and experience the film through the world of virtual reality, which proved a great success!
A word of thanks to all who attended the sharing of this art film especially the Residents of The Sullivan Centre, their family, friends, Maya Matthew and all staff from the Sullivan Centre Cavan.
The project team behind this art film are:
Art Therapist, Director......................................Kim Doherty
Technical Director and VR specialist..............Sean Burns
Producer and VR specialist.............................Camille Donegan
Production.........................................................Jennifer Shortall
Local Production and Technical team.............Visceral Studios Raquel Montero Calero and David Grant
This film is supported by Cavan County Council Arts office, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
