Silent Moves is a winner!

THANKS to the general public, Mayo film Silent Moves has topped the poll in The Irish Times' Modern Ireland in 100 Artworks for the year 2015.

The film, made by artist Aideen Barry, Ballina Arts Centre and Western Care's Ridgepool Training Centre and Scannán Technologies, had been shortlisted for Modern Ireland in 100 Artworks by The Irish Times and now represents the year 2015 as one of the top 100 works of the past 100 years.

“We are so delighted and could not have achieved this brilliant recognition without your support,” said a spokesperson for Ballina Arts Centre.

Inspired by the classic black and white silent films of Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, Silent Moves is a 28-minute silent film with a strong emphasis on movement and mime. Using stop-motion animation techniques and slapstick motifs, the film has a unique aesthetic and is accompanied by an inspired live soundtrack.

Visual artist Aideen Barry and dancer and choreographer Emma O'Kane collaborated with a group of 23 artists with disabilities from the Ridgepool Training Centre and Scannán Technologies.

Shot on location in Ballina, the film carries a strong message about attitudes towards disability while being funny, moving and beautiful to watch. It was commissioned by Mayo County Council as part of Ignite, a new platform designed to generate Ireland’s most ambitious showcasing of talent from people with disabilities.