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6 TG4 projects shortlisted for 2016 Celtic Media Festival

03.03.16

6 TG4 projects shortlisted for 2016 Celtic Media Festival

TG4’s international reputation for quality and diversity has been further enhanced following the publication of the entries from Ireland that will go forward to the Celtic Media Festival 2016 which will take place in Dungarvan in Co. Waterford.

The Celtic Media Festival (CMF) is one of the most prestigious and long- established in these islands and is held each year, rotating between venues in the various Celtic nations and regions.  It combines a three-day media conference that attracts broadcasters, producers, media and students with a competition across the full range of Film, TV, Radio and new media content genres.  CMF awards are highly-coveted.  Entries go through a national pre-selection phase with the shortlist from each country announced in February before advancing to the international Festival. This year’s Festival will take place in Dungarvan in Co. Waterford 20th -22nd of April (www.celticmediafestival.co.uk)

Cumann na mBan – Mná na Réabhlóide has been shortlisted in the Factual Single category. This documentary reveals the largely untold story of this extraordinary group of revolutionaries and breathe life into one of the great neglected narratives of our nation’s history. It’s a film that will inform, emote and engender ongoing debate on the significance of this gender-specific paramilitary movement. It will feel urgent, vital and resonant in its exploration of a struggle that was driven not only by a nationalist impulse, but by a feminist one. Cumann na mBan100 will explain how this organisation was neutralised by former colleagues in arms who became the rulers of the new Irish Free State. The documentary is narrated by Mary McAleese. Produced by Genefile Ltd.

Deargdhúil – Anatomy of Passion is shortlisted in the Arts category. Deargdhúil explores the life, the work and the sensual poetic imagination of the poet Máire Mhac an tSaoi. She helped revolutionise the Irish language in the 1940s and 1950s through her use of classical literary forms to express a passionate sensibility and taboo emotions. Her poetry explored the more intimate aspects of female experience in an Ireland where such intimacy often remained unspoken, and when women’s voices were largely inaudible, on the margins of Irish literature and society. Produced by Saoi Media.

Wwoofáil California is shortlisted in the Young People category. The alternative travel show, WWOOFÁIL CALIFORNIA follows TG4 weather girl Mairéad Ní Chuaig and actor Gavin Ó Fearraigh on their American road trip, as they step out of the studio and into the world of organic farming, ready to get their hands dirty in search of new adventures.  Starting their journey in Los Angeles and making their way to Farmer Leo’s farm to spend the week in Encinitas on California’s sunny southern coast!  Surfing, sunshine and organic farming with a twist! Along their journey they will fish for salmon with the local Yurok Tribe in Klamath, whale watch in Morro Bay, help in the production of organic wine in Sonoma County and roller skate at San Francisco’s famous Church of Eight Wheels among numerous activities during their adventure. Produced by Stirling Film and Television Productions.

An Klondike has been shortlisted in the Drama Series category. A major new original 4 part -drama series, set in the harsh world of the gold mines of Alaska a century ago.  An Klondike follows the turbulent lives of three Irish-born brothers as they journey north from the silver mines of Montana to the Yukon in Alaska during the great gold rush of 1895. They seek their fortune in Dominion Creek, a town built on greed.

The brothers become embroiled in a deadly feud with Jacob Hopkins, the man who runs Dominion. When Séamus Connolly shoots Jacob’s son in a duel, Jacob vows revenge. The Irish brothers become powerful figures in the Klondike themselves when their claim proves to be a goldmine, but their new found wealth leads to a rift between them. Tom Connolly is corrupted by his lust for power and gold and turns his back on his own brothers. Hopkins uses this to his advantage to turn the Connollys against one another in the hope of wiping them out for good. Starring Owen McDonnell, Dara Devanney, Sean T. Ó Meallaigh, Robert O’Mahony, Ian Toner and Steve Wall. Produced by Abú Media.

Pioc do Ride is shortlisted in the Entertainment category. A new dating show aiming to find love for some of Ireland’s loneliest drivers with often hilarious and farcical results. One lucky contestant gets the chance to pick from three potential suitors to take them on the date of a lifetime. They will not get to meet the suitors in person and will only get to see their vehicles and their driving skills. On choosing the suitor, the pair are at last introduced to each other. But in probably TV’s cruellest twist, the chosen suitor can then choose to go on a romantic date or alternatively spend the money on their beloved car. Which will they choose? Produced by El Zorrero Films.

Cuimhní ón mBlascaod has been shortlisted in the Factual Series category.  A magical series of enduring social, historical, and cultural relevance, previously unseen memories of the last Blasket Islanders recorded over twenty years ago, seamlessly blended with scenes recorded in West Kerry and America in 2015. This new and beautifully shot 6 part series is the earthy, humorous, and ultimately tragic story of life on the Great Blasket by those who remember the best and the worst times of the island. Produced by Praxis Pictures.

TG4 Ardstiúrthóir Pól Ó Gallchóir is very pleased with the TG4 content going forward to this year’s Celtic Media Festival   “As well as meeting the needs of the domestic  TV audience, our content is now reaching people all over the world through our Player and other devices”, he said. “It is gratifying to see our programmes standing up to competition from the best from Scotland, Wales and indeed Ireland”, he said  “and this reaffirms our conviction that quality will always travel well.”