Fourth Year Final Film Walking The Labyrinth.

About Us:

We are a group of film students from the Dundalk Institute of Technology. This is our Fourth Year Final Film Walking the Labyrinth. A documentary that challenges the history of the Irish government while following the story of a woman who was directly impacted by the Irish Mother and Baby homes and has taken back control over her life.​

Synopsis:

Susan is one of nine thousand babies born and or raised in Bessborough mother and baby homes. She was adopted into a loving family when she was only two weeks old. Susan uses her art to construct an identity for herself given that her other forms of identity have been constructed for her. Labyrinths are tools for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. For Susan, the labyrinth symbolizes a journey of self-discovery. The adoption system in Ireland is designed to remove all agencies from the adopted person. It was designed so Susan would never discover if she had other family members. This is the story of how an abstract methodology such as art shattered that and at the age of 44, Susan discovered she had a brother.

Here is a link to an article about Susan from the Independent: https://www.independent.ie/regionals/argus/entertainment/i-never-really-work-on-my-own-i-like-working-in-partnerships-whether-its-with-community-groups-or-other-artists-40144717.html

Crew:

Jessica Doherty - Director

My name is Jessica Lennon Doherty and I am the Director and Production Designer of the documentary “Walking the Labyrinth”. I am in my final year of studying Film and Television Production at Dundalk Institute of Technology. My passion for film stemmed from a love of Documentary. This journey started when I heard the incredible story of Susan Farrelly. Her story and outlook on life inspired me and I am hoping by sharing her story in this documentary she will inspire many more.

Kim Stewart - Producer

I'm Kim and I'm the producer of this film. I am incredibly excited to be working on this documentary as I have a great interest in telling people's stories and Susan's story is a very touching one. I hope that by telling Susan's story we will reach a wide audience and educate them on the history of the Bessborough mother and baby home. Thank you so much for your support.

Conor Farrelly - Cinematographer

My Name is Conor Farrelly and for our project Walking The Labyrinth I will be taking on the role of the cinematographer or DOP. I am 23 years of age, from Dublin, and I am in my final year of study at DKIT Film and Tv Production. I have around 5 years of experience now with camera work. I Have worked on documentaries for RTE, music videos, and product advertisements for start-up companies. I will be responsible for the creative visuals alongside the health of Susan and Jessica. As this is a creative Doc our emphasis is to take this project out of the normal realm of documentary and display it uniquely according to Susan’s story. I am looking forward to working on this project and we as a team appreciate any support given to us. Thank you.

Sarah Olatunbosun - Sound Op

I’m Sarah I am based in Dundalk. I am a final-year Film and Television student at DkIT. I have an interest in sound and that is why I’m the sound operator for this documentary ‘Walking the Labyrinth’. I am looking forward to working on this documentary as this story is very touching and inspiring.

Megan Hughes - Editor

I’m Megan and I am the editor for this incredible project. I met Susan last year when she stared in my film, ‘Reflection’. Directing her on that project was a dream and I am so honoured to now have the chance to be a part of telling her own story. I am also running our Instagram page, “Labyrinth Collective” alongside Jess. We aim to create a community there covering lots of topics and discussions from mental health to creative passions. Thank you for your support.

Follow our journey on our Instagram: https://instagram.com/labyrinthcollective_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Any donations would be greatly appreciated and everyone who donates will be given special thanks at the end of the film.