On Saturday night April 28th Peadar Mitchell launched his film Hands on Tanzania at the Glens Centre Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim. This beautiful theatre was packed for the occasion, with family; Eddie, Michael, Ann Marie and her husband Max, many friends and relations of the Mitchell's from around the country as well as many of their neighbours; many the builders who worked in Suji in November 2010 -John Clancy and Noel Murphy Gerard Heverin, Tom Philbin and Enda Gilmartin attended. Unfortunately Sean Murphy, Niall Culkin and Darren Maguire could not make it. The Irish teachers from Suji were ably represented by Jim Lovett and Belinda Crossan. We were sorry that Aine Staunton and Aisling Mitchell were not with us as both are now teaching overseas. Aaron who is currently in Suji was represented by his parents; Kieran and Margaret and his brother Adam.
The film was launched by Peadar's cousin: Marie Conboy who also produced it. It was good to see the film on the big screen and the big screen gave a different perspective from watching it on the small computer or tv screens. Peadar was encouraged to say a "cupla focal" and was enticed out from his hiding place behind all the high teck gear. We were all delighted to hear that RTE and TG4 have agreed to show the film but no date has been given yet. It will also be shown at the Galway film festival in July. We will keep you posted on the dates. Peadar should be proud of the great work he has done on this film - it gives a very good idea of the building and work carried on by the Irish builders; the work of the five teachers during the academic year 2011 and the life of the people in the village of Suji.
Many of things things we saw on this film and which caused a little anxiety in the theatre, especially by the younger people in the audience where things in our not too distant past here in Ireland. Those of us who are older, killed chickens, saw the pig being slaughtered and suffered corporal punishment in our schools. Our country has moved and we welcome that very much, and we particularly acclaim the fact that corporal punishment no longer exists in our schools. We can thank our educational system which allows us the opportunity to think for ourselves and decide what kind of society we want. In Tanzania the people in the villages do not have the luxury of a good education, the lack of: qualified teachers, transport, infrastructure, buildings make it very difficult. The people in Suji and many other villages are cash poor and lifestyle rich. All we can do is help in the educational sphere.
Everybody from the theatre, in true Irish tradition, adjourned to Herrity's pub after the showing where we had sandwiches and some light refreshments!!!!! Mr. & Mrs Herrity who were great hosts and had employed the services of some great Leitrim musicians for the evening. As the music got loud so did the talk! As time moved on we all spoke with grate authority on many subjects - such is the language of drink!
We hope Peadar has a great time in Suji for his return visit. As well as the great work he will do teaching English to the children and the people from the village we hope he returns to us with another great film.
Well done Peadar and enjoy lovely Suji.
Some Pictures from the launch
Peadar Mitchell with Ger Heverin
Ger again with Marie Conboy & Tom Philbin
Ger, Peadar and Tom with Belinda Crossan
Maureen Mescall & Noel Murphy
John Clancy pointing to the poster "Hands on Tanzania"
with Peadar and Noel
No comments:
Post a Comment