The world premiere of Marina Levitina’s latest documentary, on the people and beauty of the Graney Valley in East Clare, will be screened next Wednesday, July 9, as part of the 37th Galway Film Fleadh.
Levitina, formerly resident in Headford but now based in Clare, has directed Loch Gréine: A Bright Vision which celebrates a cherished landscape through poetry, music, and memory, while calling for its preservation for generations to come.
Known locally as the “Killarney of Clare”, the Graney Valley lies within the Slieve Aughty special protection area. It is home to unique biodiversity, ancient woodlands, the lake and the rivers, mythology and ancient sites. One of the most important contributions to Irish Literature from the eighteenth century, Cúirt an Mheán Oíche, was written by Brian Merriman on the shores of Loch Gréine.
“This film was a real labour of love. It was such a delight to interview many members of the local community,” says Levitina.
“My hope is that the film serves as a powerful reminder of what communities can do to protect the precious natural and cultural heritage where they live. The people who live here, the plants, the trees, the birds and the animals, the land herself, the river and the lake named after the goddess Grian, ancient Irish goddess of the Sun, are all part of this community and part of the film,” said Levitina, who is a co-founder of Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary.
The film’s broader message interrogates issues of climate change and biodiversity loss, but also local communities’ abilities to tackle these challenges.
The film features aerial photography combined with shots of rare native Irish plants, birds and animals. It features the music of the internationally renowned Irish fiddle player Martin Hayes, who hails from the Graney Valley. It also portrays a number of native medicinal plants growing in the area and explores ancient sites, traditional agricultural practices, the meanings of placenames and the theme of emigration and immigration, as well as the history of Camogie and traditional music in the area.
A post-show discussion will follow the screening at 11.15am at the Pálás Cinema.
See www.galwayfilmfleadh.com for details
