Documentaries

Wednesday 9 October | 10am
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre

Director / Nicky Larkin
Ireland / 35 mins

** Private screening for film participants **

Timeless Lessons and Generational Stories from Life in Offaly

A heart-warming documentary that celebrates the rich tapestry of life in Offaly, Ireland. Through intimate conversations, this film takes you on a journey across generations, exploring the treasured memories and life lessons from communities across Offaly. “From Me to You” showcases how the wisdom of the past continues to inspire the present and is a powerful tribute to the enduring spirit of community, connection and belonging.

In partnership with Offaly Local Development Company.

Thursday 10 October | 8pm
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
€12

Director / Ciaran Cassidy
Ireland / 1hr 17 mins

Housewife of the Year tells the story of Ireland’s treatment of women through the prism of a unique, surreal, live-televised competition that has to be seen to be believed. A generation of Irish women competed in front of a live audience for the title of “Housewife of the Year”.

The former contestants share their direct experiences of marriage bars, lack of contraception, Magdalene laundries, financial vulnerability, boredom and shame, and of course, of being contestants in the competition. It is a poignant, often hilarious, uplifting story of a resilient generation of women, and how they changed a country.

The film had its Irish Premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh 2024 and took home the prize of Best Irish Feature Documentary.

Saturday 12 October | 6pm
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
€12

A TALE FROM A WORLD ABOUT WHICH MANY HAVE A STRONG OPINION, BUT WHICH FEW REALLY KNOW: THE WORLD OF WOLVES.

The big bad wolf from fairy tales has long been a symbol of fear, but this image is far from reality. With wolves returning to Germany, their comeback is being met with challenges due to lingering fears and occasional attacks on livestock. This documentary follows the efforts of scientists, conservationists, and shepherds who are closely monitoring the wolves. It captures scenes of lab work, shepherds tending their flocks, and heated discussions at political hearings. The film shows that wolves are not fearsome predators but simply animals sharing the landscape, even as misinformation fuels public debate and resistance to their presence.