‘Flames of Passion’ documentary opening up a new bonfire conversation in Derry

Gary Curran, the project lead on the ‘Flames Of Passion Voice Of Our Youth’ which launched at Studio 2 on Tuesday said the response to the short documentary had been ‘extremely positive.’

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Brian Tierney, who attended the launch, said the film would help build awareness around the wider impact of bonfires.

On Tuesday evening Greater Shantallow Community Arts invited the Mayor, funders, participants, young people and staff involved in the project along with a small audience to the premier showing of the film at Studio 2.

Funded through The Executive Office Together Building a United Community (T:BUC) Planned Intervention and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Community Cohesion scheme, the Flames of Passion project encouraged young people to develop skills in Digital, Documentary Film making and Audio/Visual editing.

Mr. Curran said it engaged young people throughout the city with many contributing their voices and views.

This had, he said, a positive impact on the young participants who took part and is set to open new discussions on different methodologies to address the deep- seated negative customs attributed to bonfire culture.

The overall aim of the ongoing initiative is to create further debate and challenge both the rationale and reasons why the practice continues.

“It was a brilliant evening, and I am very thankful to all who came to Studio 2 for the premier showing of ‘Flames of Passion Voice of Our Youth’.

“The feedback was excellent, and the following conversations with the Mayor, funders, young people, and staff involved were extremely positive and informative.

“We hope that further viewings and reactions can continue the conversation needed to find resolutions for bonfire activities and young people’s involvement,” said Mr. Curran.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Colr. Tierney, who lives in the Galliagh area, said he was pleased to see the proactive role that the young people in the area and further afield have taken in highlighting the issue.

“This is an issue that affects local communities across our city and district and it’s something that tends to shine a negative light on our young people when they engage in any bonfire related activity.

“Projects such as this one provide an opportunity for young people to gain a greater understanding about the wider environmental and social issues surrounding community bonfires, and it offers an open forum for discussion.

“I want to congratulate all those involved for providing a positive platform which will hopefully result in long-term cross-community solutions to what can be a deeply divisive issue,” said the Mayor after viewing the film.

The funders for the project are the Executive Office, Education Authority T:BUC and the Housing Executive.

To get involved contact Gary Curran at Studio 2 on 02871358750 or email [email protected].