Gabe Davies : photo mickeysmith.co.uk

Film News

U2 lend a helping hand to Donegal surfers

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 25 February, 2008 : - - Throughout the premiere of Waveriders at the Jameson International Film Festival in the prestigious Cinescreen in Dublin, echoes of Bono’s 'Sometimes you just can’t make it on your own' echoed throughout the building.

Just hours before the screening of the film which primarily focuses on Donegal a major technical hitch developed with the state of the art projector putting the whole event in jeopardy. However, as luck would have it U2 had screened their new U23D film the night before and Bono and the lads were more than happy to give the lads a helping hand.
 
Some of the most spectacular and dramatic footage of the Donegal coastline was unveiled not to one but such was the demand, to two  packed houses in Dublin at the weekend at the World Premiere of Wave Riders

The film showcases the world class surfing destinations around Donegal's 300 miles of rugged coastline which are now attracting some of the best international surfers to the county. This year alone the legendry Kelly Slater, eight times world champion took a few days out after winning the championship to catch some of Donegal's acclaimed waves.

Richard Fitzgerald & Gabe Davies : photo Matt Britton

Not only does the film focus on the surfing aspect but tourism interests will also be rubbing their hands in glee as some of the more scenic and cultural aspects of the county also feature strongly. Tourism chiefs are also delighted as their long time marketing strategy includes the development of surfing as one of Donegal's key niche markets.

Richard Fitzgerald from Bundoran and Gabe Davies, Bundoran's adopted son head up a distinguished international cast including Kelly Slater, soul surfer Kevin Naughton and the renowned Californian based Malloy Brothers who are regular visitors to Bundoran. The actual storyline is quite startling in that it will finally prove that it was indeed an Ulsterman, George Freeth who re-invented surfing !

A sea captain, Freeth settled on the Polynesian Islands and re-intoduced boardriding to the locals after it had been banned by the missionaries. History turns the full circle as we see skilled Irish surfers link up on location in both Hawaii and Ireland. On the Irish shoot the surfers were lucky to experience the largest waves ever to hit the Donegal coast on December 1st. of last year.-over 60ft.in height and perfectly clean.

Speaking to the Donegal Democrat, Richard Fitzgerald said. "Obviously I am delighted at the outcome of all this. As a young kid surfing the lonley waves of Bundoran in a makeshift wetsuit never did I realize that I would be making a film with the best in the world. When I started off we just didn’t have the gear which is now practically seen on every 4 X 4 around Donegal. My actual wetsuit was a pair of Marigold plastic gloves, a swimming cap and a two piece suit-I wore the top half and my brother, the bottom !      

This film has a real storyline, it focuses on the aesthetic beauty and culture of the coast of the North West of Ireland and boasts a superb soundtrack-U2, The Undertones, Rory Gallagher, Hal amongst many. Acclaimed Irish actor Cillian Murphy has been so impressed with the whole project that he enthusiastically has done the narrative and voiceover for the whole film.

“This is not a movie-there is no acting, there are no stunts-this is real life and it gives me great pleasure in that it will showcase Donegal in it's best light to a world wide audience" concluded Fitzgerald. Film maker Joel Conroy has been working on this project now for over five years and now sees himself as a Donegal native, "Donegal is where I am, Donegal is where I want to be and Donegal is where I want to make my home" said Joel.

Joel would like too acknowledge the support of Interreg Programme, ICBAN, Irish Film Board, the BBC and Northern Irish Screen Board. "Without their help this just would not have been possible" he added.

Related Article:

Behind The Scenes: 'Waveriders'
NW Surf Film To Premiere Tonight

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Matt Britton

Film  - Surfersvillage