New Irish documentary 'The Pipe' wins more festival accolades just days before nationwide release date
The Pipe, one of the most eagerly awaited Irish films of the year has received further festival accolades just days before the film is released nationwide on the 3rd December. Director Risteard Ó Domhnaill and Producer Rachel Lysaght travelled to Amsterdam for the prestigious International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA) where they picked up an Honourable Mention from the IDFA Green Screen Jury before heading straight off to the Foyle Film Festival in Derry where the film received the Best Documentary prize.
The Pipe is a compelling documentary of Rossport's struggle against the economic might of Shell and the tragic divisions that have split a once-peaceful and close knit community. Risteard Ó Domhnaill's passionate, brave and beautifully shot documentary, produced by Rachel Lysaght (Underground Films), for Scannáin Inbhear is no stranger to festival success having already scooped the Best Documentary at the Galway Film Fleadh as well as hugely successful screenings and discussions at the London and Toronto International Film Festivals.
Director Risteard Ó Domhnaill said 'I had no idea, 4 years ago when I started filming on Corrib, that it would turn out to be such an incredible story and the strength of character of these people would inspire audiences all over the world. Now to see the story of this small community on the edge of the Atlantic coming to Irish cinemas around the country is hard to believe and it's really encouraging to know that Irish films can hold their own among the big Hollywood blockbusters.'
Rossport is a tiny village of farmers and fishermen in north Mayo that has, for years, been resisting Shell Oil's attempts to build an onshore refinery. For four years, Ó Domhnaill was granted access to follow three members of the community; Willie Corduff, one of the Rossport Five and his attempts to defend the farm his father reclaimed from the bog; Monica Müller who controversially refused to join protests but whose court action has delivered a major blow to Shell; and Pat 'The Chief' O'Donnell, a local fisherman who is repeatedly arrested for daringly sailing his small fishing boat into the path of the gigantic pipe-layer ship, The Solitaire. The film captures the anxiety, anger and disillusionment of years of conflict as well as their passionate connection to the local environment, and the spirit, humour and heroism that sustains them.
The Pipe is being released at cinemas nationwide from the 3rd December. The Gala Preview of The Pipe at the IFI on Thurs 2nd December will be attended by director Risteard Ó Domhnaill, producer Rachel Lysaght, and members of the Rossport community including characters from the film Willie and Mary Corduff, Pat O'Donnell, Monica Müller and Maura Harrington.
The Pipe is produced by Scannáin Inbhear with funding from Bord Scannán na hEireann / the Irish Film Board and TG4.
"first rate" -Variety
"O Domhnaill's engrossing and proactive documentary couldn't be more pertinent" - Screen International
"Fine Stuff " - Time Out London
'Putting the pipe through my land would be like getting a knife and cutting open my chest' - A Local Farmer