The timeless landscapes of Donegal and the ancient art of storytelling is to feature in a forthcoming documentary by a 21 years old Basque filmmaker, Iker Esteibarlanda.
Iker Esteibarlanda
Iker spent 6 weeks in Ireland last summer filming storytellers and capturing enchanting Irish landscapes on camera, while travelling along the western seaboard, from Clare to Donegal.
While in Donegal, Iker visited Donegal Town, Kilcar, Slieve League, Glencolmcille, Ardara and Glenties and was taken aback by the timeless Atlantic coastline. He met and recorded Seosamh Mac Suibhne and Keith Corcoran in a traditional style cottage near Donegal Town, while renowned Ardara storyteller, Eddie O’Donnell, also features in his forthcoming documentary.
Beneath the Trees
Iker was born in a small coastal town called Algorta, in the Basque Country, and studied film at the University of Navarra, Pamplona. He has been fascinated by the ancient art of storytelling for many years and sees Ireland as one of its last precarious refuges.
Iker speaks fondly of his visit, “I got a very good feeling when I arrived in Donegal. The local people were very kind to me and made me feel very welcome. I feel a cultural affinity and special connection between my people (The Basques) and Irish people, especially in more rural areas.”
His documentary entitled ‘Beneath the Trees’, is an exploration of the important cultural position storytelling once held in Ireland; how storytelling still survives today; and what the future holds for this ancient art form.
Iker explains, “The storyteller’s gift once transported the audience to different worlds by the power of the spoken word. Nevertheless, as a form of entertainment, education and moral instruction, the folk art of storytelling is struggling to hold its own in today’s modern world.”
‘Beneath the Trees’ may be perceived as a critique of modern times but the young Basque filmmaker prefers to describe it as a a tribute to the ancient art of Irish storytelling.
Iker has just launched an online Crowdfunding campaign to garner financial support to finish his documentary, which is currently in post-production. In the coming weeks, media groups and organisation such as Film Ireland will be asked to spread news of the documentary through Facebook, Twitter and their online newspapers. People can make a donation to support the post-production costs of the film by clicking http://www.verkami.com/locale/en/projects/5039-beneath-the-trees and receive free gifts in exchange.
To watch the trailer, find out more about this unique documentary, and help Iker promote it, you can follow “Beneath the Trees” on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beneath-the-Trees/424478290973917
The trailer to ‘Beneath the Trees’ can also be viewed in Vimeo, through the link: http://vimeo.com/65636552
There are already provisional plans to show a special screening of Iker’s documentary in Donegal at a future date.
Seosamh and Keith interviewed for new documentary
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