The GAFF presents the world premiere of its short documentary film, Knuck & Knuckle. Lee Reeves' story is a gripping tale of how a young Limerick man uses his love of boxing to overcome the pain of losing his mother to suicide. Having turned his grief into an energy that became his route to recovery and survival, Reeves is now a keen advocate for boxing and sport, as tools for positive mental health for young men, particularly those from the Irish Traveller community where suicide rates are seven times higher than average. Known professionally as El Champo, he is currently the NABF light welterweight champion in North America. With music artist Willzee in the role of interviewer, Knuck & Knuckle holds appeal for young people over the age of 15, particularly those struggling to cope with grief. Directed by Sean Horgan and Ellie Marron. Produced by Frank McCarthy and Monica Spencer.

Screening will be followed by Q+A with artists Frank McCarthy and Willzee, and boxer Lee Reeves, as well as a live demonstration of ‘Paint Punch’ by members of the Galway Boxing Club. Inspired by young Travellers’ love of boxing, artist Frank McCarthy developed ‘Paint Punch’ - a new approach to painting and creativity through boxing!

Content warning: this film contains references to suicide.

Recommended ages 16+

In this special programme of shorts, filmmakers with nomadic backgrounds look to their own communities to tell stories of struggle, resilience, identity and diversity. Featuring the world premiere of My Kind of People which was made through this year’s Misleór Short Documentary Grant. Screening followed by Q+A with filmmakers and a wine reception at the bar. Programme supported by Galway City of Film. 

Content warning: some films in this programme contain references to self-harm and suicide.

Tickets €10/5

Chavo - directed by Alecio Araci

Tommy's Grill is a meeting place for the Romani community. Here a motley crew of people gather to eat and talk. When a young man visits the restaurant one evening, rumours begin to spread. Chavo tells the story of a man who is forced to revisit traumatic memories. A bond between a mourning father and a rejected son builds up, and it seems like they have more in common than Tommy was first aware of.

Being Put Back Together - directed by David McDonagh

David McDonagh discovered the art of photography and how it opened a whole new world for him.The importance of visual imagery played a major part in his early life, the fact that his grandparents could not read and write and relied on ‘pictures’ to communicate had a lasting effect on him and lead to his exploration of the visual. Now David wants to help someone to explore the medium of photography in the hope that they will benefit as he has himself. Being Put Back Together follows the journey of Kaylen McDonagh as he discovers photography and how it helps him in dealing with life. Through the film we witness the changes in Kaylen as he reflects on his life.

Sire and the Last Summer - directed by Liselotte Wajstedt

The year was 1916, we follow Sire’s everyday life, until her final moments. We are a part of her little world and get to see how big that little world can be. How rich it’s in emotions, sounds and memories. Sire reminds us of life, not death.

Qulleq - directed by Aka Hansen

Life is a beautiful dance between the natural world and tradition, as experienced by this lovely short rooted in Inuk culture. The short film offers for you to be present for a short time while a Qulleq is lit. A Qulleq is a traditional oil lamp that made it possible for our ancestors to keep fire inside a house made of snow. The Qulleq made it possible to have light, heat and a place to cook and was essential for Inuit.

Sicár - directed by Ethan Donoghue

Three brothers who went their separate ways are forced to reunite for their father’s funeral. The death of their father forces them to rekindle their relationship.

Enchukunoto - directed by Laissa Malih

Laissa Malih - the first female Maasai filmmaker - returns to the community her parents left behind in this deeply personal look at how the lands of her forefathers are being reshaped by climate change.

Fifteen Minutes - directed by Sejad Ademaj

The short film tells the story of Jasmina, and her family. While Jasmina is doing homework after having dinner with her parents, her friend Lukas calls and wants to persuade her to come outside. While the two are still talking on the phone, the doorbell rings. Instead of Lukas, the police are at the door. They tell Jasmina and her parents that they have fifteen minutes to pack their belongings. For Jasmina a world comes crashing down.

Baigal Nuur - Lake Baikal - directed by Alisi Telengut

The formation of Lake Baikal in Siberia is reimagined with hand-painted animation and found objects, featuring the voice of an Indigenous woman who can still recall some words in her endangered Buryat language (a Mongolian dialect).

My Kind of People - directed by Ella Louise Ward

This short documentary by first-time filmmaker Ella Louise Ward explores the role of friendship within the Traveller community. Taking an intergenerational approach, the film looks at what factors contribute to friendship, and how these have changed over time.