ATLANTIC, the new award-winning film directed by Risteard Ó Domhnaill and narrated by Brendan Gleeson, will be screened in the port village of Fenit this Sunday, International Day of Biodiversity.
The film which follows the fortunes of three small fishing communities struggling to maintain their way of life in the face of mounting economic and ecological challenges.
After previously taking a behind-the-scenes look at Ireland’s Corrib Gas controversy, O’Domhnaill realised that a wider story of resource mismanagement was emerging — one that needed to be told for the sake of coastal communities everywhere, O’Domhnaill said “I am delighted to have the opportunity to bring the film direct to communities like Fenit who have felt the effects of this mismanagement”.
Atlantic follows the fortunes of three small fishing communities in Ireland, Norway and Newfoundland as they struggle to maintain their way of life in the face of mounting economic and ecological challenges. As the oil majors drive deeper into their fragile seas, and the world’s largest fishing companies push fish stocks to the brink, coastal people and the species they rely on may be reaching a point of no return.
Filmed in some of the most remote and breathtaking locations in the North Atlantic, and at close quarters with some of the sea’s most captivating characters, Atlantic brings the very personal stories in the vital resource debate to the fore, exploring how three modern day communities must learn from the past, in order to secure a brighter future.
Filmmaker Risteard O’Domhnaill commented “My last documentary, The Pipe, told the story of a small coastal community as they faced down one of the world’s most powerful oil companies, which was forcing a high-pressure raw gas pipeline through their farms and fishing grounds. The story raised more questions for me than it answered, leading me to look at the politics of our oil and gas prospects off the Irish coast. What has since unfolded is an incredible story of resource mismanagement, and the capture of our offshore riches — oil, gas and fishing — whilst our gaze is elsewhere.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, what I found when I looked across the Atlantic is that Ireland’s tale is not unique. However, in both Norway and Newfoundland, the lessons learned by similarly affected communities can help us to chart a different course, before our most renewable resources are damaged beyond recognition, or sold to the highest bidders.”
Commenting on his involvement, Brendan Gleeson said that “Atlantic is an engrossing piece of truth-seeking, visually stunning and crafted with clarity and insight. It was an honour to be involved.”
Atlantic debuted at the Dublin International Film Festival 2016, winning Best Irish Documentary.
The screening will take place in Fenit Parish Hall on Sunday next, May 22 at 7pm.
