Acclaimed documentary to be screened in Ballina next week

A film-maker with strong Ballycroy connections will bring his award-winning documentary to Ballina Arts Centre on Thursday, November 27 for a much-anticipated screening.

Éamon Little directs Born That Way, a hugely moving and beautifully-made film about a gentle Irish hero, Patrick Lydon who established the innovative Camphill Community in Kilkenny, allowing people with special needs notable dignity, and inspiring 16 further such communities across Ireland.

Little, a multi-award winning screenwriter, film-maker and and radio documentary-maker introduces Born That Way as only he can.

“In a small wooden house in Kilkenny, Patrick Lydon's life is ebbing away. Throughout his final year he reflects on an extraordinary life that took him from a budding career in rock journalism in America to trailblazing, with his wife, Gladys, the development in Ireland of the radically inclusive Camphill Movement, sharing life in community with people of diverse needs and abilities.”

The 95-minute movie was winner, of the Dublin Film Critics Circle prize for best Irish documentary at Dublin International Film Festival and was very well-received during a short run at Mayo Movie World in Castlebar last week.

Little spends much of his time in Ballycroy and has strong connections to the area. His latest creation is a tender, provocative love story celebrating community, disability, inclusion and otherness, and has crowds flocking to the cinemas.

You can purchase tickets to the screening (priced at €11 including booking) by clicking here.