"Back to the fit-ups!" is the catch-cry for the State's first cinema on wheels which has taken to the road after its initial screening in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
Achill Island, Athboy, Ardmore and Ardee are among the many destinations on the itinerary for the 100-seater Cinemobile, which is funded by the National Millennium Committee.
Modelled on a French vehicle which toured the Border several years ago, the Cinemobile looks and sounds like a large, articulated truck. However, it can unfold with the help of hydraulics to three times its width - transforming into a wheelchair accessible cinema with full projection facilities.
The driver is the ticket seller, film projectionist and maintenance man, and two operators have been employed - Mr Terry Farnell and Mr Eugene Keogh. Project partners with the National Millennium Committee include Bord Scannan na hEireann, Esat Fusion, ESB, the Film Institute of Ireland, RTE, the Arts Council and the National Lottery, through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Initiated by Ms Lelia Doolan, lecturer and film-maker, the travelling cinema will stay on the road for 48 weeks of the year.
The response in Ballinasloe was very positive, according to Ms Celine Curtin, project director, and since then it has run from Kinnegad in Co Westmeath through the midlands and Co Wicklow. Tomorrow it is in Bunclody and moves through Wexford to New Ross (May 10/11th), Gorey (12/13th) and Callan (15/16th). For a full itinerary, contact Fis na Milaoise Teo at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway, at (091) 539522 or e-mail: cinemobi@gofree.indigo.ie
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