Alternative Community Cinema

Launch of the Alternative Community Cinema

20/10/2010

On Friday 29^th October, the launch of a new educational initiative will take place in Annagry, County Donegal. Called 'Alternative Community Cinema', it is planned that over six different occasions film documentaries and feature films will be shown on specific topics and those gathered will be able to remain after the screenings of the films to discuss the topic and listen to speakers deliver a short talk on each issue.

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The first of the events on October 29^th will see the screening of the film 'Kangamba'. This Cuban made film, which is subtitled in English, follows the events of the Battle of Cangamba which took place in Angola and concentrates on a period of nine days in 1983 which saw a contingent of 90 internationalist Cuban fighters and combatants from the Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola battle against the forces of racism in Southern Africa.

This first film showing which will take place in the Annagry Community Hall will see the Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Teresita Trujillo, attend the event and give the main speaking address on the night. The film screening will also be followed by live music and food to be enjoyed by those attending.

Organiser of the project, which is supported by the the European Unions Peace III Programme and managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Donegal County Council and the Donegal County Development Board, is local community development activist Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig. Speaking of the Alternative Community Cinema project, Mr Mac Giolla Easbuig said “This initiative is to show the possibility of using cinema as an educational tool, rather than just the sole aim of entertainment that you tend to find with mainstream cinema today. The aim is to hold six different events during which a film or documentary will be shown as a way to educate those who attend and inform them of various stories and issues from around the world, while also helping them to understand and appreciate other cultures.”

Cuban Ambassador to Ireland
Teresita Trujillo

“We are lucky enough to have the Cuban Ambassador to Ireland Teresita Trujillo attending and speaking at this event which will lend to the international feel of the project and give those attending a chance to hear her opinion on the film and the idea of international awareness and solidarity. With live music and food after the screening and the chance for everyone to discuss the film it should be an enjoyable and informative night for all attending” he said.

The first of the 'Alternative Community Cinema' screenings will be held in Annagry Community Hall, Annagry on Friday 29^th October. The film begins at 7.30pm and admission is free. For more information people are asked to contact Micheál Cholm on 0868845476.

As well as speaking at the Alternative Community Cinema event, the Cuban Ambassador will also be in attendance at the Port Na Failte offices in Letterkenny on the morning of October 29^th where she will meet with Peace III development officer Dr Karin White, local Donegal County Councillors, community leaders and members of minority groups.