POWERFUL FILM ON MEMORY & FAMILY
A FILM BY ROSS KILLEEN IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ARTIST ASBESTOS
Galway City Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in partnership with PÁLÁS and MOTHERLAND present a special screening of the acclaimed documentary, "Don't Forget to Remember," at Pálás on 4 September at 7pm. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film's director, Ross Killeen, and renowned street artist Asbestos.
About the Film:
"Don't Forget to Remember" is a poignant film by Ross Killeen, created in collaboration with the artist Asbestos. It follows Asbestos and his family as they navigate his mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and cope with her fading memories. The film is both a moving portrait of one woman's memory loss and a celebration of family bonds in the face of adversity. Killeen also explores Asbestos' artistic process and the role art can play in healing during life's most challenging moments.
Screening as Part of Galway City Night-Time Economy Initiatives:
This special screening is one of many events and initiatives designed to enhance Galway City's night-time economy, inviting everyone to enjoy the city after 6 pm. The event is proudly supported by the Galway City Age Friendly Programme, demonstrating our commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive night-time culture where older residents feel actively engaged and welcome.
Director and Artist Statements:
- Ross Killeen: "I'm delighted that our film has the chance to be seen by a wider audience across Ireland. Making this documentary was a labour of love... Both myself and Asbestos are eager to encourage wider conversations about family bonds, memory, and how some connections can never be diminished.”
- Asbestos: “Making chalk drawings of my Mum’s memories, putting them on the street and asking the public to destroy them seems terrifying and extreme. Yet the act of making the drawings, and talking about each of these memories, has cemented them firmer in my mind, more than I could imagine. As much as the drawings can be destroyed, the memories live on."
Night-Time Economy Advisor's Statement
"We are delighted to support the screening of 'Don't Forget to Remember', a film that beautifully captures the complexities of memory, family, and art. This poignant story will undoubtedly spark meaningful conversations and foster a sense of connection among viewers. By partnering with our colleagues in Galway City Council Community section, we are committed to providing diverse and inclusive night-time cultural experiences that enrich the lives of all who call Galway home or visit our vibrant city." - Kate Howard, Galway City Council Night-Time Advisor.
Film's Timely Release & Accolades:
The film's September release coincides with World Alzheimer's Month and the lead-up to Positive Aging Week (Sept 30th - Oct 6th). "Don't Forget to Remember" premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival 2024, where it won the Audience Choice Award and received an Honorable Mention. It also had its international premiere at the 31st edition of the renowned Sheffield DocFest and was featured in the Docs Ireland festival in Belfast 2024 and the 36th edition of the Galway Film Fleadh.
Tickets for this event can be found at; www.palas.ie/film/preview-donat-forget-to-remember-filmmaker-qa
About the Director, Ross Killeen: This is Ross Killeen’s second feature-length documentary, following the success of his debut film, Love Yourself Today, which earned an IFTA nomination for its poignant portrayal of artist Damien Dempsey. Building on the acclaim of his debut, Ross continues to make his mark in the film industry with Don’t Forget to Remember, produced under his production company, Motherland, known for its compelling and impactful storytelling.
About the Artist, Asbestos: Asbestos is an acclaimed Irish street artist known for his evocative work since 2003, using masks to explore deep emotional themes and memories. His art, which gained global recognition and a 2021 nomination for Best International Street Art, often tackles social issues like Ireland's housing crisis.