The Forest Midwife
This film continues the Our World Cinema Club run in association with Laois County Council Climate Action section.
After the film there will be a short panel discussion with the subject of the documentary, Catherine Cleary and the film Director Beta Bajgart, chatting with Michelle de Forge, Director of Dunamaise.
Our World Cinema Club shows true stories to inspire and inform on environmental topics, empowering us to make positive changes.
The Forest Midwife is an Irish documentary film about the wisdom of trees and the power of a human.
Three years ago, Irish Times contributor Catherine Cleary decided to buy the cheapest piece of land she could find in Ireland, with the dream of planting her own native forest. Catherine says “The vision was to plant for climate and biodiversity…you take one good step and nature takes ten”. This film follows Catherine's mission to create native woodland despite her family’s scepticism and resistance from local farmers. In doing so she discovers her life’s purpose, transforms her land, and inspires a community.
The story centres on Catherine’s work on a farm in Roscommon. However, it’s more than a documentary promoting the planting of trees. Ultimately, it is a story about a woman who listens to her inner calling, and about the relationship between humans and nature. It touches on the sensitive topics of farming and landownership in Ireland and honours the hardship of working the land. This film is a testament to the fact that art is a massive force driving environmental awareness.
Director Beta Bajgart has tied several different art forms into a concise piece that facilitates important conversations about biodiversity and climate awareness, as well as history and traditions. “As a documentary filmmaker, I want to create films that inspire and empower unheard voices. In this case, the voice is nature.”