Irish-Canadian Adventures in Super 8

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To celebrate 150 years of Canada, in July 2017, we aim to premiere this unique representation of Irish-Canadian experience via Paud Mulrooney's never seen Super 8 films and self-developed photographs of life on Cat Lake and Ogoki Post Reserves in the 70s and 80s, with his young family, (including the film-maker). Ogoki Post has come into international focus thanks to top Canadian band Tragically Hip's latest album 'Secret Path', the proceeds of which go to truth and reconciliation with Canada's First Nations. Paud Mulrooney was on this path decades ago, when he brought his wife and family to live with the Ojibway and Cree people, and ran the local schools there at a critical period of transition from the Residential school system to more enlightened native community-run schools, developing a new curriculum suited to native traditions and lifestyle. 'True North' reveals what drew Paud Mulrooney there - from Trinity College Dublin to an encounter with Vietnam War Draft Dodgers who were forming a film co-op when he arrived to Toronto in the 1960s.

In 2008 I made a BAI - funded radio documentary called ' Ogoki - Call of the Wild ' in which I brought my mother back to Ogoki Post where she taught the local school in the 70s and 80s, which was broadcast on Newstalk. In the meantime I found 2 bags of my Dad's lost Super 8 films shot there providing a rare glimpse into First Nations life in transition.  As part of my Dad's legacy I am keen to share these films to give an insight into the unique world they inhabited and were part of. Talented editor Aoife Carey (www.aoifecarey.com) is also part - Canadian and we have collaborated previously. Mella Travers of The Dark Room (www.darkroom.ie) is delighted to host the Premiere Screening in July 2017 to mark and celebrate Canada 150.

This Fund it campaign, if successful, will enable me to pay editor Aoife Carey for her work and input, and to help cover music costs on this unique documentary which I would like to share to celebrate 150 years of Canada at The Dark Room Dublin, as well as in future screenings internationally. This film is a celebration of the power of photography, Super 8s, Canada's First Nations Communities, and my Dad's unique connection with the native communities via his hunting, fishing, teaching, and time in North Ontario.

As there is a fairly tight time-frame in getting this film together on time for July 2017, on time to celebrate 150 years of Canada, through this unique Irish-Canadian story we hope you can come on board to help tell this story offering a rare glympse into the real life of First Nations People in North Ontario.

Thanks for perusing this project, which endeavours to offer a rare window into the life of Native Canadians via an Irish family who were fortunate enough to share their path in the 70s & 80s.