Mayo based filmmaker to launch new poetry film

Mayo based filmmaker Orlagh Heverin will launch her short experimental poetry film titled, The Secret Tree, in the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, on Wednesday, November 25, at 6 p.m. This free event includes poetry, music, the screening of the short film and a Q&A with the filmmaker.

The short film was shot entirely in Mayo, during Autumn 2025. Poetry, image and music are important elements of this film. Mayo actors Anne Fahey Ronayne and Ca Denning star in the film, the music was composed by Mayo based musician Patrick Dexter, and performed by musicians Eibhlín Gallagher, Dervilla Hynes and Finola Reilly. Spoken words in the film are adapted from extracts of poetry by Mayo based poet Anne Walsh Donnelly.

At the heart of the short film is female sexual trauma and it is apt that the film is screened during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (which runs November 25 to December 10). The screening on November 25 coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Heverin is grateful for artist support from The Linenhall Arts Centre, and support from a Mayo Artist Bursary from Mayo Arts Service for the launch of her short film.

Those who would like book a ticket are asked to contact The Linenhall Arts Centre on 094 902 3733 or visit here. All are welcome.