Award-winning Irish documentary One Million Dubliners will play at the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (SJIWFF) on October 22nd. SJIWFF is one of the longest running women’s film festivals in the world.
Glasnevin Cemetery is Ireland’s national necropolis, home to over one million people who by their final resting place, are honorary Dubliners. The cemetery has a remarkable history that makes it one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, along with being a place that evokes profound emotions for its regular visitors. One Million Dubliners reveals the often unspoken stories of ritual, love, loss, redemption, emotion and history.
Above all, it’s the story of an immensely engaging Tour Guide shepherding his charges – and us – through the headstones and monuments, through opinions and beliefs. It’s a documentary film that offers a glimpse into the unknown, a world that we will all come to share, one of the two certain things in life. As we get to know the characters who populate the national necropolis, those people who choose to spend their life among the dead, we will also gain an insight into how we live and die in 21st century Ireland.
One Million Dubliners is the feature directorial debut of Aoife Kelleher and is produced by Rachel Lysaght for Underground Films. The film was made in association with RTÉ, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and Shoot for the Moon with the participation of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/The Irish Film Board.
Established in 1989 to support and promote women filmmakers, SJIWFF produces several screenings, workshops and other events throughout the year, culminating in a five day film festival held in October in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The 26th Annual Festival runs October 20th to 24th.