When film maker Declan Cassidy put out a call for people from all sorts of diverse backgrounds to take part in ‘Drogheda Through Our Eyes’, he had no idea what that vision of the town would be like. And Creative Ireland Louth, who supported the project, were taking an even bigger gamble. But midway through the project, the common theme that seems to thread its way through the video pieces that participants are making is ‘hopeful’.
Thays, a Brazilian contributor to the project, who first came to Drogheda four years ago, decided capture that ‘first impression’ by bringing a compatriot and fellow presenter of the “Nem Era Sobre Isso” podcast (https://nemerasobreisso.com ), Rafa, to the town from Dublin. Thays then created her project video piece in the EurAV studio on Fair Street – a podcast-type chat in which Drogheda emerged in flying colours.
“I think that it easy to fall into a trap where you take the amazing things that our town has to offer for granted. I know we have our empty buildings and some tired places that need lick of paint, but there’s such a lot to offer. And sometimes it takes a new perspective to remind us of that,” said Declan.
The film maker is working with participants to provide training or equipment where needed, but each one can chose her or his own medium of telling their Drogheda story. One, a Ukrainian, has taken on a very ambitious vision.
“Volodymyr is making an actual short drama based on his integration journey,” explained Declan. “So expect to see cameras and actors about the town!”
‘Drogheda Through Our Eyes” is funed by the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport through the Creative Ireland Programme and is facilitated by Louth County Council.