MINCÉIR

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Director: Teresa Lavina

Stars: Nora Corcoran, Michael Collins, Martin Mahon

Duration: 50 mins

Language: English

Genre: Documentary

Rating: G

Original Release: 3 March 2023 (Ireland)

 

 

 

‘Mincéir’ is a very important and unique piece conveyed in the shape of a 55min documentary that brings the audience on a journey across the Irish Traveller’s tradition exploring through strong connections with art their past traditions, present transitions and future views. It portrays how their culture has evolved through the collaborations of various members of the community from very different backgrounds including story tellers, wagon makers, singers, hair and make up artists, writers, actors, flower makers, tinsmiths, cooks and recyclers.

The challenge of this documentary was to balance an accurate portrayal of Traveller life seen through the eyes of travellers and the necessary story elements needed to produce a great documentary and keep an audience engaged throughout. ‘Mincéir’ contributors tell intimate secrets and stories about the Traveller traditions that have never been told before. The project will be an archive of information for future generations to access and this is a very important point for the Travellers mental health. The documentary is driven by progressive, modern Traveller women and men that are a precedent for their community. It highlights how strong women are and have fought to follow their passions and become independent.

The documentary shows how the community’s resilience, adaptation skills and strength have carried them from being nomads to be settled. These members of the Traveller community share their passion for their culture, their art and heritage and how their uncomplicated means of living have made their tradition survive with very little records aside of word of mouth, singing and story telling. The Irish Traveller community has a very important imprint in Irish history with a story to tell that evolved parallel to the settled community, a community that has endured a lot of harm caused by discrimination. It is very important to allow their stories to be told from their perspective without being colonised by a settled community voice and reach an international audience. ‘Mincéir’ allows to carry their true stories not only to an Irish audience but also to an international one.

The content includes the contributions of many influential members of the Traveller community and groups which have helped highlighting their needs and give a voice to the voiceless. People and groups that have fought for years for Traveller rights, health and a better means of living.
All these wonderful contributors bring us to their bases in their picturesque locations across Ireland.

The content of the documentary will be delivered in English but introduces the audience to the Cant language. ‘Mincéir’ brings together a diverse production team that will deliver this content being consistent with the very core of the piece, traveller well-being through art and cultures working together to create a top class 55 minute cultural stand alone documentary.