Birdsong

N Irish premiere

(Screening followed by Q and A with director Kathleen Harris & Sean Ronayne)

Ornithologist Seán Ronayne from Cobh, Co. Cork is on a mission to record the sound of every bird species in Ireland – that’s nearly 200 birds.

An unlikely online sensation after his appearance on the Tommy Tiernan show went viral late last year, Sean’s quiet joy and passion shines through in this stunning film of his singular quest.

Often accompanied by his partner Alba, Seán travels to some of the country’s most beautiful and remote locations to capture its most elusive species and soundscapes. From the busy seabird colony of Skellig Michael; a native woodland free from road noise in the Burren; the corncrake stronghold of Tory Island; a solitary nest in the Donegal uplands. Along the way we get to know Seán, whose hypersensitivity to sound has proven both a struggle and a strength.

At once inspiring and cautionary, Seán’s journey illustrates the beauty and importance of sound, and what listening can tell us about the state of our natural world.

There will be a Q and A with Sean and director Kathleen Harris after the screening as they talk about the making of this incredible documentary film.

“…visually stunning (Birdsong) follows Seán’s quest around some of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. Throughout the film, his fascination with birdsong is both endearing and enlightening. Joy and awe are threaded with poignant knowledge that many of the birds encountered along the way are red- or amber-listed birds of conservation concern.”  Irish Examiner