This is a special screening celebrating David Smith's residency at The Dock, showcasing three specially commissioned films made over the last 3 years. This screening will be followed by an artist talk with curator, Sarah Searson.

The films being screened are:

Abhartach, 2023

This is the premiere of Abhartach, a is a story from Irish Mythology, written in blood. The music of Siobhán Cleary evokes this dark tale of a dwarfish warlord who developed a taste for blood and couldn’t be killed. A neighbouring Chieftain, Cathán, with the help of his wolfhound and a druid attempts to end the supernatural rampage. The film responds to the dark atmosphere of Cleary’s music with solo harpist Úna Monaghan and shifts away from a linear narrative, instead, leaning into abstraction, horror and experimentation. Music by Siobhán Cleary, Film by David Smith.

Nemeton, 2022

Nemeton, or ‘Sacred Space’ is a short film over five district chapters that explore internal or mental spaces through the lens of mythology. Figurative imagery intersects with landscape and abstraction inspired by the history or art, internal arts, 80’s music videos and Irish mythology. Five musical compositions provide the catalyst for the film to suggest a central theme of ‘Chi’ or energy flow.

Eó Mughna’s Lament, 2020

The spirit of Eó Mughna, an ancient guardian tree of Ireland, wakes up and observes our relationship with trees and the natural world. A romantic dream clashes with commercial, societal and environmental realities. This short film is a fusion of photography and music by David Smith. Inspired by cinema, painting, soundtracks and mythology, the film seeks to evoke a mysterious spirit within the complex qualities of the modern, rural Irish landscape.
Duration 13:35 mins.

Kindly supported by The Dock, Leitrim County Council, Creative Ireland and The Arts Council.