I'll Keep Them Safe Synopsis
In the forgotten County Donegal a defective, former FAMILY HOME stands in solitude. Surrounded by the picturesque landscape yet haunted by the people that once happily lived there, the tragedy behind a neglected neighbourhood is revealed through the dramatic and evocative soundscape.
About the Director
Ava McDermott is from Carndonagh, Inishowen, Co. Donegal. This is the first film she has directed.
In 2021, when she had just turned 18, she and her family moved out of their home. In 2023, while studying Film and Production in Queen's University Belfast, Ava decided to make a film about the effect that the mica crisis had on her family.
Directors Statement
I'll Keep Them Safe is a love letter to my family and to all affected homeowners.
There is a lot in the media about who is responsible for the mica crisis. I was so sick and tired of everyone pointing fingers at each other while they were all missing the real issue. People who have been affected by this crisis are going to need support, not just financially but with their wellbeing.
For me, I was devasted in the lead up to my childhood home being demolished. All my happiest memories were there and my life in that house was precious. I know the value of what I have lost and that is what makes it so hard.
Life was amazing when my family and I were living together in our home. Watching TV together in front of the fire on a cold Saturday night. Eating Sunday dinner at our dining room table with extended family, chittering about what happened that week. Having the craic with my younger brother, playing games and losing every time. These are the memories I hold close now.
My Grandad Paddy, who was so influential on me growing up, died in November 2022. It was a massive loss for all of us. After he had passed, I happened on a recording of him singing "My Lovely Irish Rose" with my Granny and extended family. The concept for the film was made around the clip that I had found. The lyrics to the song are native to Inishowen, where I am from, and I knew then that it was perfect for the tone of the film.
As the house holds so many memories for me, I decided that a "memory soundscape" was the way to go. I thought if the film had a soundscape with all the memories that I have of my home, contrasted with the horrible visuals of the damage over the last 10 years, it could make for an emotional film.
This film means so much to me and I am so incredibly proud of it. It is a personal response to the situation I experienced, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to make it and for the reaction from audiences to date.
I must extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to - Matilda Heptinstall and Susie Loane. Their work ethic, creativity and subjectivity were a great support to me and I am thankful that they were sensitive to my situation and to how personal this project was to me.
I also want to thank my own family. They have supported me throughout this project, and we have supported each other through this nightmare. I am grateful that they gave me permission to tell our very personal story though a creative medium.
by Ava McDermott
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Comments
It’s a beautiful and sad and current and timeless
Well Done you!
What a powerful, strong statement of the awful truth of families affected by Mica.
Congratulations to you, Ava, and l all on making this important film.
Congratulations Ava, you and the whole production team deserve great praise for this beauriful and emotive film.
I cried when I knew yoh and your family would have to tear down your beautiful house, I remember the excitement of the build fadó fadó and how proud your um and dad were when they moved in. So many lovely memories, family times captured here in your film. You have shown us all a clear and strong sense of home and the family and memories that have built that. A house can of course be rebuilt and on that I wish you all a easy and peaceful journey. X
Wow. What a powerful film. Well; done Ava and team.
Hi Ava
That was amazing so heart wrenching and so well done. I hope you and your family have been able to try and put your life and home together again we are on this heartbreaking journey too. Good luck in the future
Hello Ava,
What an amazing video!! Great use of the commentary of your family and voiceovers from the news coverage running in the background alongside the videography showing the devastation caused. This film is and is going to be very important in the future! I noted your beautiful singing of the Parting Glass. Immediately recognisable!
Very well done. A promising start to a successful career in film.
Beautiful film Ava, so very proud of you!
Comhghairdeachas Ava - poignant and powerful
Fantastic Ava.. brought a tear to my eye…the comments on the walls 😢😢😢
What a beautiful and moving film! Ava, I was in your once lovely home before you were born. I didn’t realise who you were until I recognised your mother’s voice in the film and then made the connection. I’m so sorry to learn that you and your family have had to go through that trauma. I can imagine very well how it must have been a beautiful house to grow up in before it started to deteriorate. Congratulations on your film. No doubt it will resonate with many others and spread awareness of this crisis.