Artists: Stephen Goldsmith and Declan Barret
Location: Shinrone
Carried Out: Sept 2012 – Nov 2013
Budget: €7,500
Commission Type: Direct Invitation
View There’s Something About Shinrone’ film by visiting this link
This film project aimed to find the stories overheard in Shinrone, including the time that Arlo Guthrie visited and Barack Obama was invited. Using footage from RTE in 1967 (45 years ago) the film shows how the village has evolved and gives a wider Irish audience a new perspective on a unique community with an allure that has attracted the attention nationally and internationally.
The film was written and directed by Steven Goldsmith and photographed by Declan Barret. It combines historical footage of Shinrone from RTE with contemporary footage and on-screen text. The film’s story emerges from conversations ‘overheard’ from villagers themselves. Steven’s main intention was to find a deeper reflection of the unique spirit of Shinrone.
Press Release Launch of Shinrone Film Project
The latest film project funded by Offaly County Council – a per cent for art-funded project with the working title Overheard in Shinrone – will be officially launched in the Shinrone Community Centre on Friday the 30th of November at 7.30pm and all are welcome.
In the 1960s, RTE film crews visited the Co Offaly village of Shinrone attempting to capture a microcosm of rural Irish culture. This new film takes that effort as a starting point, striving to explore local residents’ impressions, memories, dreams and attitudes about their community in an effort to capture the authentic voice of Shinrone.
The film will be made by Offaly residents Steven Goldsmith (writer and director) and Declan Barret (director of photography).
‘This is not meant to be a documentary,’ says Goldsmith, ‘but rather an exploration of the deeper heart of the Shinrone community, asking the question, ‘What makes Shinrone special?’
Indeed, as a part of the launch, local residents will be given the opportunity to fill out cards answering exactly that question, in words and/or pictures, and the results will inform the next stages of filming.
The launch will include a brief description of the project – and the opportunities for involvement of local residents – as well as a viewing of the 1967 RTE documentary. The film makers will film the evening, ‘eavesdropping’ on attendees as they discuss various issues about their community – including President Obama’s Shinrone heritage, and brushes with celebrity over the years.
Following the official launch in the Community Centre, there will be an informal evening of craic agus ceol in a local pub – another opportunity for the film makers to capture the Shinrone community spirit.
According to Arts Officer Sinead O’Reilly ‘There are many stories to be told in Shinrone, stories that are of interest to a wider audience. Using film to tell these stories has a great appeal in terms of reaching out and revealing the shared values of village life. We are delighted to have the opportunity to develop this project for the community of Shinrone and we hope that local people will be enthusiastic about being part of it.”
The film project will continue over the winter months around the village and it hoped to premiere the film locally in the spring.
For more information on the project, and to find out how to get involved please contact
Offaly County Council Arts Office 057 9357400 or arts@offalycoco.ie or follow Overheard in Shinrone on Facebook