Louth County Council Celebrates Age Friendly Film Projects Promoting Positive Ageing
Louth County Council recently celebrated the screening of two short films at An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, as part of its Age Friendly Louth initiative. The films, which were presented to an audience of family and friends, aim to challenge ageism and promote positive ageing in County Louth.
The event was opened by Paul Hayes, Director of An Táin Arts Centre, who shared the project’s evolution from a drama initiative designed to tackle ageism into a community-led arts project. He highlighted how the participants, who came from diverse backgrounds and brought rich life experiences, inspired the final concept of the films. One particular story shared during the workshops served as the catalyst for the overarching theme of the project.
Sinead McVerry, Age Friendly Programme Manager for Louth County Council, spoke about the significance of the project. She emphasized that it provided a safe and supportive environment for participants to explore the topics of ageing and ageism. The workshops facilitated not only creative expression but also the building of trust, friendships, and the sharing of life stories among participants. McVerry praised the final film, titled Ordinary People, as an extraordinary tribute to the individuals involved, showcasing the power and emotion behind their personal narratives.
In Ordinary People, each participant chose a meaningful item from their life—whether it was a piece of clothing, a ring, or a cherished toy—and shared the story behind its significance. These personal objects served as symbols of the participants’ journeys and experiences, adding depth and emotion to the film.
The second, shorter film, shot in dramatic black and white, features participants introducing themselves and making personal statements about ageism and ageing. This film will be officially launched at the Louth Age Friendly Expo on October 2nd, 2024, during Positive Ageing Week. The event will further celebrate the theme of positive ageing in County Louth.
This project marks the first in a series of ageism awareness initiatives led by the Louth Age Friendly Programme. Supported by Creative Ireland, the project saw collaboration with various creative professionals, including a writer, videographer, director, and sound engineer, all of whom helped bring the participants’ ideas to life.
The screenings and upcoming launch underscore Louth County Council’s commitment to fostering a more age-friendly community and challenging societal perceptions of ageing.