The Irish Film Institute and Ireland’s all-Traveller forum which was founded in 2004 have arranged the free programme to mark the celebration, which takes place on Wednesday, June 7th.
It includes free screenings and discussions of Traveller-related films from the 1940s to the present day, which capture the distinctive Traveller identity and culture, based on a nomadic tradition.
The programme draws upon the IFI Irish Film Archive collections and will present how the Traveller heritage has been represented in both fiction and non-fiction film, such as 1950s ethnographic films, a memorial, 1960s tourism films, and those about rights and contemporary culture.
Thomas McCann, Minceirs Whiden:
“Traveller Culture has changed dramatically over the past 60 years. These changes are due to number of factors such as assimilationist policies, discrimination, and lack of culturally appropriate provision and recognition. However, Travellers and Traveller organisations have struggled throughout these decades to have our culture recognised and valued by the Irish State. This event will provide a valuable insight into past and present Traveller culture for both Travellers and for the majority community.”
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