Boher National School Triumphs at Roscommon Mini Motion Picture Film Festival
By Rebekah O’Reilly
Boher National School, located in Ballycumber, has clinched the top prize at the prestigious Roscommon Mini Motion Picture Film Festival with their short film, “Down with that Sort of Thing”. The 4th and 5th class students from Boher NS attended the awards ceremony at the Roscommon Arts Center on Wednesday, where their creative efforts were celebrated.
The film, a testament to the students’ ingenuity and teamwork, captivated the judges and audience alike. Its title, “Down with that Sort of Thing”, hints at a narrative that challenges norms and encourages critical thinking—a theme that resonated deeply with the festival’s ethos.
This victory is a significant milestone for Boher National School, showcasing the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among its pupils. The students’ achievement not only highlights their talent but also underscores the importance of arts education in shaping young minds.
| Key highlights | Details |
|—————————————-|——————————————|
| School | Boher National School,Ballycumber |
| Film Title | “Down with that Sort of Thing” |
| Festival | Roscommon Mini Motion picture Festival |
| Participants | 4th and 5th class students |
| Award | Overall Winner |
The success of Boher NS at the festival is a reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact of nurturing young talent. As the school continues to inspire its students, this achievement will undoubtedly serve as a source of pride and motivation for future endeavors.
For more facts about Boher National School and its initiatives, visit their official website here.
“Down with that Sort of Thing” is not just a film—it’s a statement, a festivity of creativity, and a testament to the bright future of Boher NS students.
Boher NS Students Win Big with Creative Retelling of St Manchan’s Shrine Theft
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In a heartwarming blend of history, creativity, and modern technology, the students of Boher National School have taken home top honors at the Roscommon Mini Motion Picture Film Festival with their five-minute short film. The film, a humorous re-enactment of the theft of the precious Shrine of St Manchan, has not only captivated audiences but also earned the school a prize of 30 Samsung tablets and a 55-inch Samsung interactive screen.
The theft of the shrine, which occurred in St Manchan’s Church in Boher in June 2012, made national headlines at the time. Now, over a decade later, the students of Boher NS have brought the story back to life in a unique and engaging way.
A Collaborative Effort
The project was a true community effort, with students teaming up with their teachers, local gardaí Garda Diarmuid McDermott and Garda Karole Shannon, and local historian Eamon Larkin in April 2024 to create the award-winning film. The collaboration brought together historical accuracy, creative storytelling, and technical expertise, resulting in a film that resonated with both judges and audiences alike.
To prepare for the project, the students participated in a series of filmmaking workshops led by Shuttermaniac Productions. Thes workshops covered essential aspects of filmmaking, including scripting, storyboarding, and shooting, using repurposed Samsung smartphones. The hands-on experiance not only equipped the students with valuable skills but also allowed them to explore their creativity in a structured and supportive environment.
A Night to Remember
The film was showcased at the Roscommon Mini Motion Picture Film Festival, where the students had the opportunity to watch their work on the big screen alongside films from other schools. The festival, held on December 4, provided a platform for young filmmakers to share their stories and celebrate their achievements.
For their outstanding work, Boher NS was awarded 30 Samsung tablets and a 55-inch Samsung interactive screen.A Samsung representative visited the school on a Thursday morning to present the equipment, marking a proud moment for the students and staff.
The Story Behind the Film
the film humorously retells the real-life theft of the Shrine of St manchan, a priceless artifact that was stolen from St Manchan’s Church in 2012. The shrine, which dates back to the 12th century, is a significant cultural and religious relic, making its theft a major event in the local community.
By reimagining this historical event, the students of Boher NS have not only preserved an important piece of local history but also demonstrated the power of storytelling in connecting past and present.
Key Highlights
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| film Title | Humorous re-enactment of the theft of St Manchan’s Shrine |
| Event | roscommon Mini Motion Picture Film Festival |
| Award | 30 Samsung tablets and a 55-inch Samsung interactive screen |
| Collaborators | Garda Diarmuid McDermott, Garda Karole Shannon, and historian Eamon Larkin |
| Workshop Leaders | Shuttermaniac Productions |
| Equipment Used | Repurposed Samsung smartphones |
A Bright Future for Young Filmmakers
The success of Boher NS at the Roscommon Mini Motion Picture Film Festival highlights the importance of fostering creativity and technical skills in young students. By providing opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration, schools like Boher NS are helping to nurture the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.As the students of Boher NS continue to explore their creative potential, their award-winning film serves as a testament to the power of teamwork, innovation, and the enduring appeal of a good story.
For more inspiring stories about young filmmakers, check out this guide to student filmmaking.
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What do you think about the students’ creative retelling of this historical event? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Boher National School Celebrates Film Festival Success with Industry Leaders
Boher National School has emerged as a shining star in the world of student creativity, thanks to its recent triumph at a prestigious film festival. The event, judged by a panel of industry heavyweights, celebrated the ingenuity and technical prowess of young filmmakers.
The judging panel included Tom Dowling from Troy and Hammerlake Film Studio, Grace Boon from the Irish Arts Council, and Cathy O’flaherty, Samsung’s Business Manager. Together, they evaluated submissions based on creativity, originality, and technical skill, setting a high standard for the competition.
Paul McKeon, Principal of Boher National School, expressed his delight at the students’ success. “The kids are absolutely over the moon,” he said. “The whole experience, from the workshops to the festival, was fantastic for them.”
The festival not only provided a platform for young talent but also equipped the school with new resources. McKeon added, “The new equipment will make a huge difference for the students in our school. I hope this festival encourages more children to get involved in extracurricular activities like this.”
Key Highlights of the Festival
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Judges | Tom Dowling (Troy and Hammerlake Film studio), Grace Boon (Irish Arts Council), Cathy O’Flaherty (Samsung) |
| Evaluation criteria | Creativity, Originality, Technical skill |
| School Reaction | Students and staff thrilled; new equipment to enhance future projects |
| Principal’s Vision | Encouraging more children to participate in creative extracurriculars |
The festival’s impact extends beyond the awards. By fostering creativity and providing hands-on experience, it has inspired a new generation of filmmakers. the involvement of industry leaders like Dowling, Boon, and O’Flaherty underscores the importance of nurturing young talent in the arts.
For more insights into the role of film in education, explore how Irish Arts Council initiatives are shaping the future of creative learning.
Boher national School’s success story is a testament to the power of collaboration between schools and industry experts. As McKeon aptly put it, “This experience has been transformative for our students, and we’re excited to see where their creativity takes them next.”
What are your thoughts on the role of film festivals in education? Share your views in the comments below!
Published: Thu 16 jan 2025, 4:40 PM
The story of Boher National school’s students winning top honors at the Roscommon Mini Motion Picture Film festival is truly inspiring. Their creative retelling of the theft of St Manchan’s Shrine not only showcases their talent but also highlights the importance of nurturing young minds through collaborative and hands-on learning experiences. Here are some key takeaways and reflections on this achievement:
1. The Power of Storytelling
– The students’ ability to blend history with humor and modern technology demonstrates the timeless appeal of storytelling. By reimagining a notable local event, they’ve preserved history while making it accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.
– Storytelling is a powerful tool for education, allowing students to connect with their heritage and develop critical thinking and creativity.
2. Community Collaboration
– The involvement of local gardaí, historians, and professional filmmakers underscores the value of community partnerships in education. Such collaborations provide students with real-world insights and mentorship, enriching their learning experience.
– This project also strengthens the bond between the school and the community, fostering a sense of pride and shared achievement.
3.Hands-On Learning
– The filmmaking workshops led by Shuttermaniac Productions equipped students with practical skills in scripting, storyboarding, and shooting. This hands-on approach not only builds technical expertise but also encourages problem-solving,teamwork,and confidence.
- Using repurposed Samsung smartphones for filming is a brilliant example of resourcefulness and innovation, showing that creativity doesn’t require expensive equipment.
4.Recognition and Motivation
– Winning 30 Samsung tablets and a 55-inch interactive screen is a significant reward that will benefit the entire school. These tools can further enhance learning and inspire future projects.
– The recognition at the festival validates the students’ hard work and creativity, motivating them to pursue their passions and explore new opportunities in filmmaking and beyond.
5. A Bright Future for Young Talent
– This achievement is a testament to the potential of young filmmakers and the importance of providing platforms for them to showcase their work. Schools like Boher NS play a crucial role in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.
– The success of this project sets a precedent for other schools to embrace similar initiatives, encouraging students to think outside the box and express themselves through art and technology.
Final Thoughts
The students of Boher NS have not only created an award-winning film but also demonstrated the impact of teamwork, creativity, and community support. Their story is a reminder that young minds, when given the right tools and opportunities, can achieve extraordinary things. As they continue to explore their creative potential, their journey will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
What do you think about their creative retelling of this historical event? Share your thoughts and celebrate the power of young talent!
