The next film in Richard Clements’ Storymakers project, Anáil, is directed by Tristan Crowe and features Anne Gallagher recounting a harrowing sea-swimming experience. On 15th May 2022, Anne and her sister Maureen, seasoned swimmers, decided to swim at a new beach. Despite the serene setting, Anne found herself caught in a strong current and unable to return to shore.

Gallagher’s performance, recorded at her home in Donegal, captures the raw emotion of this deeply personal and traumatic experience. Richard Clements, who guided the recording process, reflects: “The memories of that fateful day were still all too raw for Anne, and she was understandably nervous about recounting it. Her reading is beautifully delivered, delicate and careful in approach. I knew that the music had to reflect that, and so the piano became the waves around her, the percussion a heartbeat. What Tristan, Clara, Michael and Jane have achieved with the film is remarkable, finding a beauty and calm in the most harrowing of stories that complement Anne’s own astonishing resilience and resolve.”

This emotional narration is paired with a powerful dance performance by Clara Kerr, Michael McEvoy, and Jane Mooney, choreographed by Kerr. The dancers interpret Anne’s story across two evocative settings: the expansive sands of Murlough Beach and the intimacy of a home kitchen. Kerr explains their creative approach: “Dancer Michael McEvoy and myself started in the studio and began to improvise movement around a number of ideas. We decided that we wanted to feel as though we were a combination of factors – the embodiment of the story Anne was telling, the characters mentioned within, but also a representation of her emotions and feelings. We wanted to take the viewers with us as we listened and responded to Anne’s moving piece, but not in a literal or expected way.”

The result is a stunning interpretation that enriches Gallagher’s voice and teases out themes of fate, its circular nature, and the importance of looking out for one another. Director Tristan Crowe sought to honour the story’s integrity through the filmmaking process. He reflects: “Clara, Michael, and Jane brought the story to life with such grace and depth. My role was simply to capture their brilliance and present it in a way that does justice to this extraordinary tale.”

Anáil is a remarkable collaboration, finding beauty and calm within one of life’s most challenging moments. It serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of storytelling and art. 

• StoryMakers Event
• Storymakers Album
• Richard Clements