PICTURES: Laois audiences captivated at film screening in Dunamaise Arts Centre

The Forest Midwife, a powerful and emotive film, took centre stage at Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise on Thursday, April 10 leaving the audience spellbound with its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth.

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Inspired by the real-life experiences of writer and forager Catherine Cleary, the documentary film offered a poignant exploration of healing, folklore, and the resilience of women bound to the land. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker and theatre artist Beta Bajgart, the film delivered a stirring blend of myth and reality, inviting audiences deep into the woods — and the human spirit.

Following the film, a special post-screening panel featured Catherine Cleary and director Beta Bajgart, offering Laois audiences a rare window into the inspiration and creative process behind the work. The discussion ranged from folklore to ecology, and the importance of reconnecting with our natural environments.

Laois County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Lisa Doyle, praised the film, saying: "The Forest Midwife beautifully highlighted the deep ties between nature, community, and care. It’s rare to see a piece of film that captures the ecological message with such emotional clarity. This is storytelling that matters — for people and for the planet."

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Dunamaise Venue Director, Michelle de Forge, commented: ’Events like this are wonderful opportunities for our audiences to meet the artists and filmmakers in person, to chat to the subjects of interesting documentaries about their work and to share the positive impacts of experiencing films like this together as a community. We look forward to future event collaborations with the Climate Action Team during Biodiversity Week in May and Climate Action Week in October.’’

The Forest Midwife was presented for one night only as part of One World Cinema Club, a collaboration between the Climate Action team in Laois County Council and Dunamaise Arts Centre. 

For more information about upcoming events at Dunamaise Arts Centre, visit www.dunamaise.ie