Reel to Real: Silence

This month we share debut feature from Irish documentarist Pat Collins, taking the form of a trip through the West of Ireland as a sound-recordist returning from Berlin seeks to capture the sound of silence, but after meeting the local inhabitants is drawn back to his own roots on Tory Island off the coast of Donegal. 

Silence | Pat Collins | 2012 | Documentary/Drama | 89 mins | Germany, Ireland | English, Irish | PG 

A sound-recordist, leaves Berlin and returns to his native Donegal to record landscapes free from man-made noise. But throughout his journey, he is drawn into a series of encounters and conversations which gradually divert his attention towards a more intangible silence, bound up with the sounds of life.

About the Film

A sound-recordist, leaves Berlin and returns to his native Donegal to record landscapes free from man-made noise. But throughout his journey, he is drawn into a series of encounters and conversations which gradually divert his attention towards a more intangible silence, bound up with the sounds of the life he has left behind. 

Influences by elements of folklore and archive, Silence unfolds with a quiet intensity, where poetic images reveal an absorbing and ultimately moving meditation on themes relating to sound and silence, history, memory and exile. 

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.

Accessibility Information 

Access to the Building:

• 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). 

Hearing Loop:

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

Personalised Assistance:

• 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.

Additional Support Available:

• Walk-throughs of the building can be arranged prior to your visit so you can familiarise yourself with the space.
• Reserved Seating can be arranged to ensure comfort and accessibility; please let us know if you would like seating assigned before arrival.

We’re committed to making your experience as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or specific requirements.

Access to The Stove

We are committed to making The Stove as welcoming and accessible as possible for everyone and continually work to improve both physical and other access needs for our spaces. Currently, level access to our building is available through the back door due to permit and licensing limitations, but we are actively exploring solutions to enhance accessibility.

If you have suggestions or would like to discuss accessibility options further, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us at [email protected], and a member of our team will be glad to discuss any requirements, alternative options, or ideas for improving accessibility together.

Thank you for helping us make The Stove an inclusive and accessible place for all.