Oakgrove hosts cross-border cinema exchange

OAKGROVE Integrated College played host recently to a giant portable cinema and 25 students from Carndonagh Community College as part of an ongoing cross-border exchange programme designed to break down psychological barriers against ‘the other.’

The event, part of a “Collaboration along the Border” project, saw almost 50 young people engage in discussion facilitated by The Junction.

Principal Jill Markham said: “There was great excitement for everyone who arrived at school to see a giant cinema in the car park.”

But Ms Markham went on to explain that there were even more significant events going on inside.

“The border between north and south can be a big thing for many people, with ignorance each side about ‘the other.’ “Today’s opportunity brought young people together in meaningful exchange, and we look forward to next week’s follow up visit to another screening in Carndonagh.”

The project, supported by Cinemobile is facilitated locally by Maureen Hetherington of the Junction. As well as watching films, students engage in discussion-based workshops in which they share their own perceptions.

Oakgrove’s Head of Art and Moving Image Arts, Gemma Kelly said: “Oakgrove has long been associated with moving image and I am delighted to see an even wider audience explore the medium of film and its power to challenge and change the world.”