‘An Bhean a Shiúil Trasna Mheiriceá’ (‘The Woman Who Walked Across America’) is a 52 minute bi-lingual documentary funded by T4 and The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
It tells the story of Mary Devine, portrayed by Emily Barry, who crossed America on foot with her four year old daughter during the 1860s in a desperate attempt to return home to West Kerry, where she had emigrated from a number of years earlier.
Scored by Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames), it is a lyrical film of strength, will-power and the ultimate survival of an Irish woman as uncovered through the personal discovery by her direct descendant, broadcaster and poet Danny Sheehy.
The documentary was directed by John O’Donnell (‘Hotpress, ‘In the Blood’, ‘A Call To Arms’) and produced by Jackie Larkin (‘Kings’, ‘Stella Days’, ‘A Thousand Times Good Night’). Editing was by Gordon Bruic (‘Bernadette’, ‘Art of Living’, ‘John Doherty – Ar Leig na Gaoithe’). Sound editing was completed at Lime Street Sound.
The Stray Dog Films production is on TG4 tonight, Wednesday 18th, at 9.30pm.
