“At first it seems very attractive to the people in Meredith, considering some of the financial incentives, but then we see how a a real rift within the community is created, wounds that will never heal.”
Windfall looks at the input and affect wind turbines can have and a ‘red flag’ is raised by some members of the community. “Once they are up, there is no turning back so all negotiation and research has to be done before,” Ms Ní Chianáin said.
“It’s a really important film and relevant to the people of Donegal. It will raise a lot of serious questions about wind power and renewable energy and I think it’s important that the people here are informed.”
CROWD FUNDING
Having to battle with continuous funding cuts over the past few years the festival organisers have come up with new and exciting ways to raise much-needed means of raising financial support to keep Guth Gafa going.
Ms Ní Chianáin said: “We have a number of packages on the Irish crowd funding site www.fundit.ie.
“Online crowd funding is a way for people to pledge money to the festival and get access to very special packages, thereby also saving themselves money.
“It’s a way of appealing to our supporters for funding and in turn rewarding them with great offers.”
David Rane, festival co-director, said: “Guth Gafa has programmed two extra days of films and discussions at the film festival this year in Gortahork to address issues of huge importance – culture and resistance, civil disobedience, small actions vs big powers, environmental justice and climate action.
“We had planned to stream these discussions live, or at least to film and podcast them. But we didn’t get the funding we hoped for to do this, as our overall 2011 grant support is down 30 per cent.
“The crowd-funding initiative through Fundit.ie, which allows people to donate any amount they wish to ensure these events at Guth Gafa do happen, and that they are made available to as wide an audience as possible.
“In return people get a special reward, or the package that they sign up for. When we reach our target, and only if we reach our target, contributions are taken from donors credit cards,” he said.
Neasa added: “Our ‘Turning The Tide’ package, priced at €24 offers a full day ticket for three films, access to the Q&A, an organic meal, the opportunity to walk down our Green Carpet for the closing film with our ‘eco celebs’, as well as a Turning The Tide t-shirt.
“Another offer is Monday’s Terrorism On Trial package, which includes access to four films, the debate with the filmakers, a ticket to the Cabaret that night and a limited edition Terrorism On Trial t-shirt all for €32 instead of €46,” she said.
There are lots more exciting films to be seen at the sixth Guth Gafa International Documentary Film Festival (June 10 to 14) so be sure to log on to the website or get a festival booklet and see what’s on.
Go to fundit.ie/project/guth-gafa-documentary-film-festival and pledge any amount, or choose one of Guth Gafa’s packages (tickets, t-shirts, festival passes, etc) for a set amount