Promoting Positive Ageing in Co Louth
An Tain Arts Centre hosted a screening of two short films on Thursday 15th August 2024. The films were the end result of an age friendly project to challenge ageism and promote positive ageing in Co Louth.
There was plenty of excitement around An Táin Arts Centre prior to the screenings and a few nerves as project participants were nervously looking forward to the screenings with an invited audience of family and friends.
Paul Hayes Director of An Táin Arts Centre, opened the event and explained the background to the project. Whilst it had initially started out as a drama project to challenge ageism, it quickly became evident that the participants on this community led arts project were wonderful examples of positive ageing and brought with them an array of stories and experiences from all walks of life. One of the stories shared during the project became a catalyst for the final idea behind the film.
The project provided a safe space for participants to explore the subject of ageing and ageism. It also provided an opportunity for participants to get to know one another, to build up trust and friendships and to share stories and life experiences. A wide variety of adults from lots of different backgrounds, with a range of ages and abilities took part in the project. Through the workshop participants helped to reframe the conversation around growing old in Co Louth.
The end result entitled Ordinary People is far from ordinary, indeed this extraordinary piece of work is a powerful and moving tribute to each person involved in the film.
Each participant selected an item or object from their life so far that has a very special meaning for them. For some it was an item of clothing a dress or a coat, for others a ring or a teddy bear.
All of the objects and items selected were individually of special significance to the individual person and they explained the back story to the object and why it has such a special place in their life. There was tears and laughter as participants shared their objects and stories.
The second shorter film shot in dramatic black and white showed each of the project participants introducing themselves and making a personal statement in relation to ageism and ageing. This shorter film will be launched at the Louth Age Friendly Expo on the 2nd of October 2024 during Positive Ageing Week and will be a great way to celebrate positive ageing in Co Louth. The film and project will also link with UN day of the Older Person on October 1st 2024, UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and the Age Friendly Ireland Ageism Campaign.
This is the first initiative that the Louth Age Friendly Programme has delivered as part of an ongoing suite of ageism awareness initiatives.
The project part funded by Creative Ireland also saw a variety of creative professionals involved with the project. Paul Hayes director of An Táin Arts Centre facilitated the workshops and has engaged a writer, a videographer, director and a sound engineer to assist with developing and scripting the groups ideas and with filming the final pieces.
Margaret, Kathleen, Lorna and Nuala participants in the project
Participants in the Challenging Ageism and Promoting Positive Ageing Project
Ann & Venora enjoying the screening in An Táin Arts Centre
