Renowned actor Adrian Dunbar joined representatives from Cinema North West, the International Fund for Ireland and members of community organisations from Fermanagh, Leitrim and Cavan to celebrate the success of the first year of ‘Crossing Borders on Screen’ project.

Funded by the International Fund for Ireland, the innovative two year project run by Cinema North West is designed to enhance cross-community dialogue and generate understanding and respect, utilising film as a medium to promote reconciliation among people from Counties Fermanagh, Leitrim and Cavan.

To mark the occasion, renowned actor Adrian Dunbar gave a unique masterclass and screening of his films Monkey’s Blood and The Maid of Belfast to celebrate the success of year one of the project.

Speaking at the event in Enniskillen Castle, Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, said:  “Utilising the power of film to reflect on sectarianism, community, conflict and resolution is a powerful medium to help us all reflect and discuss the issues raised and more importantly to reflect on how we can all work together to make a better future for all of our communities.

This is a project that the Fund is very pleased to support because it complements the Fund’s strategy of promoting peace and reconciliation by bringing people together from different backgrounds to dispel fears and remove barriers to understanding”.

Oonnah Monaghan, Chair, Cinema North West said: “The IFI have been enthusiastic supporters of this project over the year that it took to plan and our first year on the ground. Crossing Borders On Screen is an important project for Cinema North West. The appointment of our first full time programme director, Colin McKeown, and two years of dedicated support from the IFI has had an immense effect upon our organisation.

Colin McKeown, Programme Director, Cinema North West said: “We are very pleased with the extraordinary commitment and dedication that our filmmaking groups and partners have shown to Crossing Borders On Screen. Cinema North West is all about community and the shared experience of film and that work is exemplified by this event.”

The project consists of three phases over a two year period:

Phase One:  Cinema North West co-ordinated a touring programme of cinema to various       communities on both sides of the border.  The screenings took place along with discussions on the art of cinema.

Phase Two:  Cinema North West developed a training programme in collaboration with community groups and leaders which involves filmmakers working over a period of time with particular community groups to develop and produce a film.

Phase Three:  Cinema North West will tour a programme of all the films produced by the groups around each of the venues and incorporating a series of discussions on the issues raised.

Community organisations involved in the project include:

• Oak Healthy Living, Roslea
• South East Fermanagh Foundation, Lisnaskea
• North Leitrim Women’s Centre, Manorhamilton
• Dowra Community Centre
• Breffni Integrated, West Cavan

Click here to download press release