Reel to Real Cinema: Notes from Sheepland

Notes from Sheepland | Cara Holmes | 2023 | Documentary |70 mins| Ireland | English | 15

NOTES FROM SHEEPLAND bursts with candid observations of lipstick wearing, always swearing, no nonsense, artist and shepherd, Orla Barry. Through her fields, her digital diaries, and the pedigree sheep she cares for, we discover how the art is int he doing.

About the Film

Orla Barry is a self-confessed ovine addict. After a decade in sheep, she’s still wondering what possessed her to start, yet she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Orla lived in Brussels for 16 years and now lives and works in South East Ireland, where she runs a flock of pedigree Lleyn sheep. Her work deals with the tensions of being an artist and an eco-farmer in rural Ireland. The Sheep have slowed her art career, but at the same time, caring for them has hugely inspired it. She escapes the studio by going to the sheep and escapes the sheep by hiding in her studio.

NOTES FROM SHEEPLAND follows Orla, an outlier, as she floats between these worlds. It reflects upon the primal, poetic and unpredictable bond she has with the natural world

Watch the Trailer:

About Reel to Real

Reel to Real Cinema is a monthly film space in the Stove Cafe, featuring an eclectic mixture of conversational films – from artist made shorts to feature length documentaries, locally made to international cinema. A space for discussion and thought-provoking films, you are welcome to join us after the film for a short discussion about the themes from this month’s selection. The Stove Cafe will be open from 5.30pm – 6:45pm with a special pre-film dinner option alongside hot drinks and cakes.

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• Level Access is available at the rear of the building through the adjacent close located to the left-hand side of the Café (when facing the front of the building). 

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• We have a hearing loop system installed in the café to support individuals using hearing aids or cochlear implants.

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• If you have any specific access needs, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate. You can reach Sal at [email protected] or call us at 01387 252435 to speak with a member of our team.

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• Walk-throughs of the building can be arranged prior to your visit so you can familiarise yourself with the space.
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