Source Programme of Events Spring 2019 The Source Arts Centre Programme Spring 2019_Layou | Page 9

Spring 2019
FILM
The Silver Branch
Wednesday 23 January
The Silver Branch is a philosophical vision-poem on the life of farmer/poet Patrick McCormack,
descendant of the generations of farmers who have lived off the wild landscape of the Burren
in County Clare.
In April 1991, the Government announced the establishment of a national park in the Burren
and construction of a £2.7 million interpretative centre. The Burren Action Group took a case
against the Government to halt proceedings in order to maintain the natural integrity of the
landscape and to protect the environment. They viewed the Burren and the area of
Mullaghmore as a “sacred site”, a holy ground that needed to be defended – especially in a
country whose sites of profound historical importance are rapidly disappearing.
Patrick and his community are drawn into a divisive battle, leading them to the Supreme Court
to decide on the fate of this iconic wilderness. Through Patrick’s eyes, and in his words, this
beautifully shot film immerses us in the exquisite texture of the natural world, bringing us a rare
glimpse of a disappearing way of life with all its richness and roguery, and leading to a deep
connection with the Earth and our ancestral wild spirit.
dir. KAtrinA cOStellO, irelAnd, 2017, 75 Min
tiMe: 8pM price: €9/5
www.thesourceartscentre.ie
Box Office: 0504 90204
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