Louth County Council celebrated the screening of two short films in An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk recently as part of an age friendly project to challenge ageism and promote positive ageing in County Louth.

Opening the event, the Director of An Táin Arts Centre, Paul Hayes, explained that whilst it had 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.

Sinead McVerry from Louth County Council who is the Age Friendly Programme Manager, said: “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. Through the workshop participants helped to reframe the conversation around growing old in County Louth.”

She added; “The 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 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.

The second shorter film, shot in dramatic black and white, depicts 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 October 2nd 2024 during Positive Ageing Week and will be a great opportunity to celebrate positive ageing in County Louth. 

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, which is part funded by Creative Ireland, also saw a variety of creative professionals involved with the project. Paul Hayes from 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 group’s ideas and with filming the final pieces.