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News | 12 July 2024
The First Drop That Saw the Sky at the Galway Film Fleadh
“If anybody had asked us three years ago would we have [made] a film. I think we’d have all said, “no”. You don’t realise how much you’re building up each week.”
We are delighted to announce that a short film made as part of a cultural participation programme with the Culture Company has been accepted into the Shorts Programme of the Galway Film Fleadh 2024.
A moving short film about positive mental health journeys, The First Drop That Saw the Sky will be screened on Sunday 14 July as part of the Irish Talent, New Shorts 8: Documentaries programme. It will feature alongside five other shorts which each explore life in modern day Ireland.
The film was made by members of Suaimhneas Clubhouse with artists Aisling Byrne and Shaun Dunne, as part of The National Neighbourhood - a programme that creates ways for people to see and make culture in their place with people they know.
Based in Raheny, Suaimhneas Clubhouse EVE is a long term mental health resource and recovery centre. They first got involved with The National Neighbourhood in 2021, starting with introductory visits to cultural places in Dublin.
Over a three year period the group progressed to drama and improv workshops with film and theatre artists Aisling Byrne and Shaun Dunne, before deciding they wanted to make some culture of their own. Together with the artists, they developed a short film which celebrates the group’s bond and the importance of the Clubhouse to their lives by focusing on the stories of three participants. The participants hugely enjoyed the process of exploring creativity together in a comfortable environment.
“It gets you to speak out. It’s good for shy people, because you’re not afraid - you’re in the group and you know you’re accepted no matter what you say. So you just talk out. It’s a good confidence builder.”
- Aideen, project participant.
The film was first shown at a celebration event for participants, their friends and families, and cultural partners, at the Irish Film Institute in April 2024.
Before screening the film we hosted a short panel discussion featuring Catherine, a participant, and Claire, the centre manager. Afterwards, everyone joined for a group lunch to deepen bonds and discuss the project. The participants and Suaimhneas staff expressed their delight and pride in seeing their work brought so movingly to the big screen.
Since then, they’ve held several more screenings of the film in the Clubhouse in Raheny, and they’re keen on showing the film to younger audiences, such as secondary and third level students.
“It was great. I was very surprised because I was very apprehensive about what it’s going to be. But I was delighted in the end. It was done so naturally.”
- Catherine, project participant
The National Neighbourhood is a year-round programme that creates ways for people to see and make culture in their place with people they know. These new experiences, explorations and connections are the foundation for people to build creativity into their everyday lives.
With The National Neighbourhood, projects always begin with listening, usually over a cup of tea and a chat. We use an open-ended and people-first process which encourages participants to explore and make culture at their own pace. Experienced artist facilitators guide groups through the creative process and a dedicated Culture Company team member ensures that projects are supported and resourced, helping the groups’ vision come to life.
“Most of us knew we could hardly talk, and yet we discovered our voices”
- Catherine, project participant.
More about Suaimhneas Clubhouse EVE:
Suaimhneas Clubhouse EVE is a dynamic programme of support for individuals embarking on their journey towards mental health recovery. It is first and foremost a community that offers individuals hope and an opportunity to achieve their full potential.
The Clubhouse is a non-medical model and therefore the focus is on the strengths of the individual rather than their illness. Clubhouse provides an environment of support, acceptance and is committed to enhancing the potential of each member, enabling individuals with mental health difficulties to live full and productive lives in the community.