The Pipe to Screen in Kerry

Director Richie O' Domhnaill to attend Siamsa Tire Screening for Questions and Answers.

THE PIPE is a fascinating documentary that tells the story of the Corrib Gas Pipeline and its effect on Broadhaven Bay, Glengad beach and the tiny village of Rossport. The unique nature of the coastline has sustained generations of farmers and fishermen but is also, to Shell Oil, the perfect place for the Corrib Gas Pipeline.

The film follows three members of the small community and details what became of their quiet rural life after Shell Oil arrived and the resultant fear and anxiety which followed. Not only are the residents flung into a tumultuous struggle with Shell and the state, but they are also forced to battle with elements within their own campaign who seek to divide and control, as their community is torn apart by the stresses of choosing to support or oppose the oil company. Yet, despite the seriousness of the events surrounding them, their resilience and humanity never wane and, even in their darkest moments, their wit and humour shine through.

"It's a fascinating subject," says Richie O' Domhnaill, director of the film, "and probably one of the most dramatic culture clashes in modern Ireland. The rights of the local farmers to their own fields and of local fishermen to their traditional fishing grounds have come into direct conflict with one of the world’s biggest and most powerful oil companies and when the citizens looked to the state to protect their rights, they found that the state put Shell’s rights above those of its own citizens."

Richie will attend the Siamsa Tire screening of the film, which takes place on Tuesday, February 1st at 8:00 pm. The film also screens in St. John's in Listowel on Thursday, February 3rd and in The Carnegie in Kenmare on Thursday, February 17th.

THE PIPE is a story of a community which has been tragically divided and how the members of that community have dealt with a situation that could, if handled properly, bring economic prosperity for generations. Against that it will destroy the traditional way of life which has been for generations.

"And while the story is completely modern it echoes themes that have been discussed for generations," adds Richie. "For example The Field, by Kerry writer John B. Keane, plays with many of the same themes. Who really owns the fields? The farmers who work them? Or can those with the money simply buy off the state?"

And while those are very topical questions in Ireland, the film has had huge success outside the country with THE PIPE playing at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival in September 2010, while it was recently selected for the equally as prestigious Berlin Film Festival, where it will screen in February 2011. THE PIPE has been nominated for an Irish Film and Television Award in the Best Documentary Category and has also been selected for the upcoming Palm Springs Film Festival in California.