FILM ‘Silent Moves’ ignites passion and pride

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Emma Gardiner, one of the participants in the Ignite Mayo short-film project.

‘Silent Moves’ ignites passion and pride

Ignite is a new platform designed to generate Ireland’s most ambitious showcasing of talent from people with disabilities, led by international and Irish artists and performers with disabilities. Projects are taking place here in Mayo, as well as in Cork and Galway.
For the Ignite Mayo commission, a short film, ‘Silent Moves’, is being created by Irish artist Aideen Barry in collaboration with dance artist and choreographer Emma O’Kane. In 2013, Barry was awarded the Ignite Mayo commission in partnership with Western Care’s Ridgepool Training Centre, ScannΡn Technologies and Ballina Arts Centre who are hosting and managing the project.
The film is being created using new cutting-edge technologies, including ‘green screen’ and advanced animation techniques, including stop-start animation. It will bring together stylised mime, music and movement inspired by the silent movies of the 1930s, such as the films of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.
The participants have been busy  developing the characters, and the film will explore issues that related to the group’s life. As for the actual story lines, they remain shrouded in mystery until the movie’s big première in Ballina Arts Centre later in the year.
“The confidence of the group has greatly increased [since the project began],” notes Barry. “The suggestion of any physical movement or gesture to any member of the group to make in front of the camera is greeted with enthusiasm and without hesitation.”
Barry’s observations are echoed by the passionate statements of participants. “It’s a dream come true … I always wanted to be an actor,” says one. “I’m very proud to be taking part in the film,” says another. “I love being involved. I’m very happy in front of the camera.”   
For over six years, Ballina Arts Centre has made a concerted effort to advance the agenda of arts and disability through programming specific events and developing outreach programmes. It has established an excellent working relationship with both the Ridgepool Training Centre and the ScannΡn Technologies and has completed several successful, ambitious projects. ‘Silent Moves’ is the culmination of all that work.
“The Ignite project has been going very well since it started in January. All of the participants from the groups are completely enjoying working with Aideen and Emma,” says SeΡn Walsh, director of Ballina Arts Centre. “The feeling is extremely positive when they are in the venue working on the project, and I’m sure that that will feed into the finished piece of work. That kind of positivity and enthusiasm is always good around a project.
“I’ve seen some of the footage they have shot and it looks really great. We’re all very excited about the whole project and we’re looking forward to seeing the finished film, when it’s screened in November.”
Ignite is managed by a unique partnership involving the Arts Council, Arts and Disability Ireland (ADI), Cork City Council, Galway City and County Councils and Mayo County Council. The commissions each represent an investment of up to €60,000.
“I’m immensely proud to be associated with both the Ignite initiative and the ‘Silent Moves’ film project,” says Damien O’Connor, Disability Arts Co-ordinator, Mayo County Council. “I believe the work of the artists and Ballina Arts Centre will have a huge impact on the development of high-quality arts and disability practice both locally and nationally.”

‘Silent Moves’ will be launched at the end of November in Ballina Arts Centre, Barrett Street, Ballina.