A Donegal sister act whose music has taken them around the world are looking forward to welcoming the world to their hometown.
Documentary film makers from at least 20 countries will descend on Malin village in May for the Guth Gafa International Documentary Film Festival and The Henry Girls will be there to show them some home-grown hospitality.
“As avid film fans, it’s like a dream come true that there is a film festival coming to Malin and particularly a festival like Guth Gafa as the quality of what is being presented is amazing,” said Lorna McLaughlin.
She was on hand last week when the production team visited the picturesque village to begin preparations for the event which is expected to attract up to 2,000 visitors from 16-19 May.
“We’re very proud to be from Malin and wherever we go we always tell people about Inishowen and more particularly Malin. The scenery all around is stunning, the village itself is very picturesque but most of all, there is a great sense of community here and it’s the people that make Malin what it is,” said a proud Lorna.
No strangers to film festivals, Lorna and her sisters Karen and Joleen performed at the Guth Gafa festival in 2008 when it was held in Gortahork and have also appeared at the Irish Film Festival in Los Angeles, which is run by another local woman, Lisa McLaughlin.
“We enjoyed both these hugely and loved that we got to see so many films as well as playing at the festival club,” said Lorna.
Now in its seventh year, Guth Gafa has partnered with the City of Culture Derry for this year’s event and plans to make Malin its permanent home.
“We are delighted with the enthusiasm we are receiving from the people of Malin and north Inishowen and we are confident the festival will be a huge success, ” said director David Rane.
Over the four day festival, 30 documentaries from all over the world will be screened in three dedicated cinemas in the village and the film makers will be there to discuss their work.
The Henry Girls will line up with some of Inishowen’s finest musicians to provide the entertainment in the festival club which will take place every night at the Malin Hotel.
“Some of the films take on serious topics but this festival is primarily a fun event. People get a unique chance to socialise with the film makers and the film makers and visitors get to spend time in this stunningly beautiful location,” added Rane.
Guth Gafa is supported by The Irish Film Board, The Arts Council of Ireland, Derry-Londonderry City of Culture, Inishowen Partnership, BAI, Failte Ireland, LEADER, Donegal County Council and Associated Newspapers