REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE IRISH FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE IRISH FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS SATURDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY, 2011
Our history tells us that even in the darkest of times we have the capacity not simply to look towards the light but to find the light. The Irish Film & Television Academy’s beautiful bronze Statuette with its triscale reminds us of our Celtic ancestors who built Newgrange. There, rather like a Cinema Projector, a shaft of light shines to the back of that ancient tomb signalling the beginning of a new year. From that point on, the nights get shorter and the days get longer. Spring bursts through the weary winter ground and life, hope endures.
Hope is a big part of the Irish story. And we are the best storytellers in the world. We have had a lot of practice one way or another for our history is nothing if not a series of dramatic episodes. And there is a recurring theme - that no matter what the latest upset or provocation, Art has shone a light that penetrated even the deepest gloom. We Irish have insistently and persistently drawn new strength, fresh energy from our culture, our art and our creativity.
There has always been a vital curiosity and a bold adaptability that turns dark to light and lets the future in. Back in 1909 it was that bold embrace of new technology and Artforms that underpinned Joyce’s attitude when he opened Ireland’s first Cinema. Even then, in appallingly hard times, there was the unquenchable impulse to make Art happen and let it do its work of challenge, comfort and change.
Today once again Ireland’s people face hardship and hope is not always easy to find but look around this room at the talent we have in front of camera and behind the camera, all of whom if they were to unpack their own individual stories could tell a thing or two about hardship, about transcending the odds stacked against them, of taking huge risks, of winning and losing, of beginning again, of turning up and not giving up. And between them they have imprinted the name of Ireland on the busy, competitive world of film and television and inspired one generation after another to believe they can make their creative mark on the world. We have a legion of great names, great people to be proud of in this industry which we celebrate tonight. In fact, across all the arts Ireland has cause to be very proud of our creative community.
Our true wealth is here in this room, in ideas and inspiration, in our talented storytellers who may soon we hope have another story to tell - of a crisis overcome, through reimagining our country and changing the narrative to the happier ending so beloved of cinemagoers. Thank you for your fidelity to the vocation of film and television and to our country, to Ireland.