Ablevision shine again
CAROLINE KAVANAGH CHECKS OUT THE LATEST PRODUCTION BY THE TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE WHO FORM PART OF THE LOCAL MOVIE INDUSTRY
IS it Hollywood or Ardmore movie studios? No – it’s actually the Barbican Centre, Drogheda, where members of Ablevision are making a film under the direction of local film-maker Frank Kelly. Written and developed by members themselves, ‘Little Fairy Tree’ is a fantasy magic mystery love-drama with time-travel built in, and is very relevant to the modern world! The film will be screened early 2019, but before that, a preview will be screened at Ablevision’s 4th international film festival in Droichead Arts Centre on Friday 9 November.
Participating are films from America, England, Australia, Belgium, South America, Italy, Scotland and Holland, with the cast of some films actually attending the festival. All feature young adults with intellectual disability. Ablevision is a creative programme in film production for and by people with intellectual disability.
‘It gives these young people the chance to be part of movies, to make and act, to be seen and heard on screen,’ explained parent Patricia Delany, who explained how Drogheda Ablevision began. ‘A cousin over in Boston had heard of it and suggested it to myself and my husband John. We flew the head of Ablevision, Alissa Carbone over to Drogheda to explain how to set it up and run it. We then attended our first festival, Oskabright, over in Brighton, and based our own festival on this. We ran our own festival in Drogheda 8 years ago.’
Ablevision’s first film, ‘Joe & Sarah’ was also produced by Frank Kelly. Again, devised by members, it was shot in Drogheda and was shortlisted for awards!
Film-maker Frank meets with the Ablevision members, listens to their ideas and draws the story together. ‘Even though they have intellectual disability, they still have plenty to say!’ said Patricia. ‘ This is lifelong learning, it’s expressive and creative.’
Nessa Delany, now 36, loves the freedom of Ablevision. ‘She is out and about with it, participating, being heard. We would love to have a Centre for the Arts for those with intellectual disability. When they leave school there are not many options. It’s hard to find learning with progression,’ said Patricia.
Ablevision’s Jason McGivern loves acting. ‘I like to meet my friends and particularly, my girlfriend at Ablevision. I love watching films and acting in them. I was in all four films we made. The film talks about things I am interested in.’
Jason has to admit that he has to study a lot to remember the script!
Photography fan, Conor O’Dowd loves the camera! ‘I love acting and have learned a lot about film-making. I practice the script and follow the clips on You Tube. Look us up!’
Describing ‘Little Fairy Tree’, Brendan O’Shea said, ‘We are making a film about a girl who goes missing. I love acting, and was in the other films we made. I enjoy going to the public screenings.’
Nessa Delany, who plays Niamh in this film, said, ‘My stage-mammy is Eimear O’Kane! David McArdle and Megan McMcCormick are my brothers and sisters.’
Another Ablevision parent is recently retired teacher, Audrey Jackson. ‘ This is brilliant for Megan who is involved with everything from setup to camera work. It’s great for communication as it elicits their own ideas which they have to verbalise. Ablevision gives these young people a voice, so it’s so very important that the films reflect their thoughts and ideas. Sometimes it’s difficult to find the language, but through Ablevision they devise it together and act it out. It gives them the chance to shine.’
Admitting to being a very proud mom when she sees her daughter on screen, Audrey finds the progression in making the film is hugely beneficial. ‘ To see them progress in their own way through this programme is fantastic. Each person is treated with such respect, despite their level of intellectual disability.’
Ablevision is seeking to be involved across the community and is always open to new ideas. Members learn acting and film, dancing and drama.
Another project is an experimental dance piece facilitated by Cathy O’Kennedy,well-known for her innovative dance styles, is an inclusive work and will showcase in Duleek and Drogheda in November 2018.
Megan, who attends Malta Services, loves acting and does some with Brenda Gogan and The Little Duke too. ‘I will be in CinderElf at our Christmas show!’
No stranger to the stage, Megan is a regular model on the catwalk for Drogheda’s Daffodil Day fashion show, along with Jason. ‘I love to dress up!’ she said.
‘I like acting and meeting my friends here,’ said David McArdle. ‘It’s nice to see myself on the big screen.’
Playing the on-screen mother is Eimeal O’Kane. ‘I have no kids in real-life but now have 3 stage-kids!’ she quipped. ‘My daughter Ella (Megan) sees everyone on their phones and is getting no personal response, there’s no communication in everyday life. So that’s the basis of the story, then comes the magic and the mystery! As well as the time-travel!’
Eimear’s involvement with Ablevision began through meeting a similar group in Scotland, ‘Indepen-dance’. ‘I started by doing some dance work with Ablevision, then got involved in the film-making. I actually wrote a song ‘Little Fairy Tree’ that will be used in the film – yes, I got it from the fairies! Ablevision has given me purpose and a sense of wellbeing, inclusiveness, acceptance, dignity and respect. They are affectionate, friendly, loving and positive – never any
bad vibes here! I love this crowd and we have great laughs.’
Eight years ago Frank Kelly made Ablevision’s first film. ‘ The invitation came out of the blue as I had never worked with a group with intellectual disability before. It ended up being one of the most remarkable, inspiring and fulfilling projects I have ever worked on! These young people are easy to work with – there are no egos here!’
Explaining the genesis of the movie, Frank said that on Day One the group brainstorms and themes emerge. ‘ Their interests and tastes appear. So this time romance and music emerged as did time travel. Social issues that bother people came up. Phones too. We discussed what would work. The story is about a girl who likes books, conversation and creatures – but she is ignored as everyone is on phones. So she time travels!’
Ablevision meets in The Barbican Centre weekly, where Declan Power and staff give huge support, according to the parents. The group also has close connections with Droichead Arts Centre. ‘Collette Farrell, Director of Droichead has been steadfast in her support over the years and Tony Conaghy has helped us spearhead our Film Festival since its inception,’ said Patricia Delany, who along with other mothers,
Audrey O’Dowd and Audrey Jackson, ensure the smooth running of all activities and workshops.
Ablevision is a registered charity and has a board which meets regularly.
Over the past few years it has received generous support from Drogheda and Navan Lions, Drogheda Rotary Club, Indaver’s Carranstown Community Development Fund, ‘Me Time Training’ owners Colm and Jane who ran a fundraiser, the Ireland Fund, Louth County Council, Orlaith & Gavin Duffy, and other fundraisers.
Funding for this movie was achieved by crowd fund sourcing, via a Go Fund Me page set up by Frank, with the first pledge secured within minutes of going live!
‘I could shoot a film for very little on a mobile phone or could spend millions of euros,’ explained Frank – who incidentally is shooting this film on his mobile phone using a special app which gives Ultra HD quality. ‘Many directors use this now as it’s cheaper and accessible. I can edit on the phone – it’s really a mobile movie studio! This film will take 8 weeks from start to finish, meeting once a week.’
A short preview of ‘Little Fairy Tree’ will be shown at the Ablevision International Film Festival in Droichead Arts Centre on Friday 9 November.