The Pipe & the Gala Opening at the IFI

We were delighted to have the Gala Opening of The Pipe at the IFI on December 2nd. Despite the snow and ice, the audience braved the elements and we had a packed cinema for the special screening.

Risteard O Domhnaill, Director

Director Risteard Ó Domhnaill's documentary about how the local people of Rossport took on the might of Shell, objecting to plans to lay a gas pipeline through their land and fishing areas, has played to critical acclaim on the Festival circuit garnering both awards and positive reviews. Beautifully shot and providing a powerful insight into the local community and their struggles, the response to the film at the Gala Opening was overwhelmingly positive. In attendance were Director Risteard O Domhnaill, Producer Rachel Lysaght, and members of the Rossport Community (who had managed to make the journey from Mayo despite the adverse weather conditions).

H.E. Mr. Øyvind Nordsletten, Ambassador of Norway to Ireland,

Lelia Doolin & Risteard O Domhnaill

Alicia McGivern, Head of Education at the IFI, welcomed the audience to the IFI for the special event, while director Risteard O Domhnaill introduced his film, talking of its success at previous Festival screenings and how the film evolved.

Members of the Rossport community
(John Monaghan, Maura Harrington, Pat O'Donnell, Mary & Willie Corduff)
 along with the filmmakers, Lelia Doolin and Bjørn Asle Teige of Norwegian Oil Workers Union

Following the screening, Lelia Doolan (filmmaker, producer, writer and campaigner) chaired a Q&A which evoked a passionate response from the audience. Participating alongside Lelia, Risteard and Rachel were the 'stars' of the film John Monaghan, Maura Harrington, Pat O Donnell, and Willie and Mary Corduff.

Mary & Willie Corduff

The debate proved to be an interesting precursor to a second panel discussion (held on Saturday December 4th). Chairing the discussion was Lorna Siggins (Irish Times correspondent and author of Once Upon a Time in the West: The Corrib Gas Controversy), Terence Conway (Shell to Sea), John Monaghan (Rossport Community Spokesperson), Fergus Cahill (Irish Offshore Operators Association), Brian O Cathain (Managing Director of Petro Celtic and formerly of Enterprise Energy Ireland), Risteard O Domhnaill and Rachel Lysaght. It was crucial for the IFI to provide a neutral space for this important debate so all sides could air their various issues.

Lelia Doolan, Pat 'The Chief' O'Donnell & a guest at the Gala

 The next event in the series is on Saturday December 11th at 13.30 and is entitled The Pipe: Politics and Film and will explore the roles that art and filmmaking can play within a political campaign. Producer Rachel Lysaght will be joined by filmmakers and artists, including Seamus Nolan and Jesse Jones, to explore the complex relationship between art and politics. The event is free but ticketed.

Click here to book tickets for screenings of The Pipe.

Ross Keane
Head of Marketing & Communications