22 people, one island, zero electricity — and the voices history almost forgot.
An Blascaod Mór, Great Blasket Island, is an islet off the southwest coast of the Irish mainland. For years, a declining population and treacherous waters had made life there risky. In 1953, the Irish government evacuated the 22 remaining residents of An Blascaod Mór to the nearby village of Dún Chaoin. This documentary examines aspects of the island's history and literary legacy, and features interviews with former islanders.
Direction
Mac Conghail lets islanders speak for themselves, no sensationalism.
Cinematography
Stunning Atlantic light on abandoned stone cottages.
Writing
Kieron Moore's narration weaves literature with lived memory.
Director
Muiris Mac Conghail
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Blasket Islands produced Peig Sayers, Tomás Ó Criomhthain, and Muiris Ó Súilleabháin — a staggering literary output from 22 people.
Director Mac Conghail was himself a fluent Irish speaker who'd visited the island before evacuation; this was personal archaeology.
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