Booley is heading to Ballyiffin & Cork

I’m buzzing to be sharing my first Creative Archives research film 'Back from the Booley' with Donegal and Cork audiences at this year’s Disappear Here Film Festival & IndieCork Film Festival in October!

Co-directed with the amazing Bronagh McAtasney & Elspeth Vischer, and made in partnership with Clonduff Development Enterprise Ltd, the film tells the story of the Booley Fair - the ancient semi-nomadic traditions of 'boleying' in Hilltown and the vibrant relationship between the people and the mountains.

The film blends archival footage from Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive with new material captured by amateur and emerging filmmakers from rural County Down, Ireland.

The filmmakers received training in smartphone filming and interview techniques to document the story of the 2024 edition of the Booley Fair. They also took part in the editing process, ensuring the final film reflected their voices and creative input.

Archival clips from across Northern Ireland were carefully selected and creatively woven in by the brilliant curator & editor Stephen Newe who also composed the film's beautiful sound score! The result is a true community and archive effort that will preserve an important local story for future generations. And we can't wait to share it with others next month!