
Tír Gan Ainm, Tír Gan Teanga
A West Belfast Gaeltacht Community Project
What is the Project?
A participative focumentary set in the West Belfast Gaeltacht based on conversations
The aim of the project was to create a film based on my lived experiences in the West Belfast Gaeltacht. Being from Donegal, I came to Belfast as an outsider, wanting to find out more about the unique Gaeltacht rapidly emerging in the urban landscape of Belfast, a complete opposite to the Gaeltacht back home in a rural setting.
The film has been made through locals who acted as gatekeepers, they placed me into situations such as the Hawthorne bar or to meet with participants for a conversation. This is part of the co-ownership agreement between myself and participants, they are co-owners of the film and have acted as co-creators in shaping my experiences.
This project has been completed as a dissertation practice as research project for an MA in film Studies at Queens University Belfast. This project has been the creation of a methodology, expanding on traditional ethnographic film and creating a reflexive, participative and anti-colonial film.


The Film
Giovanni Peresson
My Name is Giovanni Peresson, I am a filmmaker/Student at Queens University Belfast. I am from the Gaeltacht in Donegal (Gweedore/Annagry). I have worked on various short films within Belfast and Northern Ireland as seen in my portfolio. This is a passion project for as whilst filming last year in Whiterock I witnessed a sprawling Irish language community.
The Gatekeepers
Gatekeepers are fundamental to this project. They act as an intermediary between myself an participants to ensure ethical standards are maintained throughout.
Want to get in touch or learn more?
Send an email or give me a call at these contacts:
Email: gperesson01@qub.ac.uk
Phone UK: 07897954282
Phone IE: 0831341246