Documentary maker Chris Eipper tells Siobhan Cronin how his research into a keenly-fought election in Cork South West has been made into an entertaining film
A DOCUMENTARY film shot in West Cork during the 2007 elections, will get its premiere in Ireland next week.
The movie, All Politics is Local, takes an in-depth look at the irish political machine, by focusing on the race in Cork South West after the dissolution of the 29th Dail.
‘If you’re hungry enough, you’ll dig up the tar on the road with your teeth to get a vote,’ is how the determination of the local politicians is summed up, as portrayed in the film, which was the brainchild of Australian duo Declan Mortimer Eipper and Dr Chris Eipper.
‘Based upon three decades of research, All Politics is Local is a feature-length documentary depiction of Irish politicians which portrays the fray from within,’ explained Chris.
‘As such, it aims to make an academic contribution to Irish studies that is designed to inform and explain, as well as to entertain.’
Declan Mortimer Eipper’s short films have been screened in over 35 international film festivals.
I Suppose I Had It Coming premiered in Europe at the Sehsüchte International Student Film Festival and won the Grand Prix at the L’Etrange Festival.
Canal+ purchased the television broadcast rights, screening it in 44 countries. Declan has also co-directed a cinema trailer and TV commercial.
Dr Chris Eipper is an author and anthropologist. Beginning at Bantry Bay in 1975, he has conducted extensive research on a variety of subjects.
All Politics is Local is intended to complement his forthcoming book, Your Man: the Irish Politician as a Big Man, which will be based on the 2007, 2011 and 2016 elections.
‘It’s not only the other parties that are a threat to you, it’s your running mate. Indeed, it’s the internal rivalry that can be the most bitter and acrimonious, as well as the most entertaining,’ he says.
The film will be premiered at the 21st Australasian Irish studies conference in Maynooth University at 8pm on Friday June 19th.
The conference will be charging an entrance fee to raise money for the promotion of Irish Studies in Australia and New Zealand, and the costs of the conference.
Chris Eipper is hoping to get a West Cork screening organised for the documentary, as he is aware there will be much interest in it, in this part of the country.
‘I’ve always hoped that the film might get exhibited in West Cork cinemas early in its life,’ he told The Southern Star. ‘What we’ve tried to accomplish has been difficult: bridging the gap between academia and entertainment, and that between what Irish voters take for granted, and what the rest of the world will be surprised to discover.’
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