A documentary on how Tory island’s late king Patsy Dan Rodgers led his community’s efforts to secure their rights and a study of a “maverick islander” are scheduled for Galway Film Fleadh’s online programme this weekend.
French filmmaker Loic Jourdain is screening the world premiere of his latest feature on Tory island, entitled The Tribe of Gods.
The 92-minute documentary charts how the late Patsy Dan Rodgers, then the last King of Ireland, continued to represent his community of 150 Irish-speaking islanders after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Jourdain’s company Lugh Films, South-Wind Blows and Idée Originale previously made a documentary on Donegal islander John O’Brien, entitled A turning tide in the life of man, on his efforts to retain his right to fish for wild salmon.
The Tribe of Gods has a cast of Patsy Dan Mag Ruaidhri, Marjorie Uí Chearbhaill, Liam Gallagher, Laurene Boyle and Pádraig Gráinne Duggan, was shown on Saturday, July 11th and there is a trailer below.
Galway-based filmmaker Margaretta D’Arcy and producers Finn Arden and Laurie Allen has directed A Maverick Islander, which will screen on Sunday July 12th.
Her film is a study of Seán (John) Ó Loingsigh from south Connemara, described as “a philosopher, a dreamer, a self-appointed chieftain, a failed playwright, and a minority voice”.
The film charts his efforts to “rise above the elitism associated with the game of golf” and build a golf course in the bog which might also help to keep Connemara’s islands district, Ceantar na nOileán alive.
Activist, performer and film director Margaretta D’Arcy is now in her 87th year, and is a member of Aosdána. A Maverick Islander is available on Sunday July 12th at 1200 by booking here
A trailer for The Tribe of Gods is below