Grainne’sSelkie isalittlesliceof Clogherheaven
A close encounter with one of the friendly seals whilst swimming in Clogherhead has been the inspiration for an enchanting work from a talented local actor and writer.
“Selkie” is a beautiful short film written, narrated and directed by Grainne Rafferty, who is artist in residence at the Droichead Arts Centre.
“To be honest, I’ve had the idea since I visited the Isle of Eigg in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, and they tell stories of the Selkie, or Seal People, and I was reminded of it when the cheeky seals bump into me whilst out swimming off the pier,” explains Grainne, who has written, starred in and directed numerous projects in the north east. “I am a huge fan of Clogherhead and it’s where I go to feel happy, and the seals really are like the dogs of the sea, and the come over and nudge you when swimming.”
The Selkies are mythological creatures from Irish, Nordic and Scottish folklore, particularly in Orkney and the Shetland Islands.
The legend goes that when they come ashore, if their coat is stolen, they must remain onshore, and if they find the coat, they will return to the sea immediately.
“I started writing the story last October, and it was originally as a story to talk to people about grief,” she explains.
“During this Covid pandemic, a lot of children have lost their grandparents, or even just lost a sense of normality or way of life, perhaps missing the move from 6th class to secondary school, or their graduation – rites of passages for thousands of children.”
Selkie is produced by Droichead Arts Centre as part of Cruinnui na nOg 2020, with funding from Creative Ireland and Arts Council, and the young film maker is Ewan McNulty, who filmed and edited it, and composed the music.
Grainne appeared in his graduation film, as he has just finished his diploma in Film Production in Colaiste Dhulaigh, and she finishes the film singing a haunting song.
“We shot it very quickly, and thankfully it turned out well, and I didn’t really know I could sing until recently,” she says modestly.
“I am hoping to work with LMFM later this summer, to record another children’s story, and also later in the year, perhaps produce one of my plays for radio.”
You can find ‘Selkie’ on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xakJG6DlCbY or on www.droichead.com.