To all members of Youghal Town Council,

We, the producers of the documentary film, “Town Out Of Time” are writing in response to media reports and an informal message that the Council wishes to view our film at a private sitting in the Mall House. With respect, and without prejudice or malice, we must decline your offer.

There are a number of reasons why, in our opinion, engaging in a private viewing would be inappropriate. Firstly, all council members were invited to the public screening on December 12th at the Walter Raleigh Hotel via email. Some councilors took it upon themselves to respond, some chose not to respond at all, while others stated they would be present. The councilors were invited because we believed they have a vested interest in any reflection, comment, report, opinion, article and so on about the town in which they have put themselves forward to represent. Whether you would have attended in that capacity, as public representatives, or just as curious viewers was not something that could be controlled by us, no matter what way you were invited. We stress that other bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce were also invited via email. Invitations were extended to members of the press and to members of the Film Studies department at UCC and finally to those who took part in the film and those who helped during the making of the film. Beyond these invitations the screening was open to all, free of charge.

Secondly, that none of the councilors were present at the screening at the Walter Raleigh Hotel was not a concern to us. We were relieved, appreciative and heartened by the turn out. We were not aware, throughout the screening, that no member of the council was present. We did not need the council to be present.What was evident in the post-screening discussion was the anger and frustration expressed by members of the audience that no representation was made by the council in what was a public event. It must be clearly understood that the expectation of people should not be seen as ill-judged. Following a very comprehensive and successful media campaign the dog on the street was aware of the event and, more poignantly, what the content of the film was about. If issues about Youghal are being discussed amongst its people and those who represent them are invited to attend and don’t, then they have every right to be angry and frustrated. If any member of the council had expected to take criticism due to the film’s content then there are a number of points that should be made clear.

We as the makers of the film were acutely aware that we ourselves were open to harsh criticism as we were honest in our appraisal throughout the advertising campaign that the film did not paint a pretty picture, therefore we stood to be charged with damaging the town’s image further and hurting those who believe such a portrayal is an insult to their sensibilities. Nevertheless, if one can’t stand by one’s convictions then what is there left to stand by only dishonesty? In short, we were willing to take that criticism on the chin. If the members had seen the film they could not have disagreed with the assertion I made in a Community Radio Youghal interview that no-one in the film is made accountable or blamed for the decline of our town. The film simply looks at what happened. Had even one member attended one can only imagine the kudos (not votes) that they would have gained. For years, Irish politics has been blighted by a small town mentality of gaining favour and votes through the cringe-worthy habit of politicians hanging around funerals, pubs, photo opportunities and so on. At election time, humility and modesty are forsaken as the landscape is marred by posters and streets littered by leaflets telling the public how great they are and what they can do. That world is dead in the hearts and minds of modern Ireland. People of Youghal, who it must be said are of considerable intelligence and oftentimes rare ability, were angry at the screening of our film because they felt councilors who could have attended bottled the responsibility to represent them. Politics is supposed to be for the brave and honest, not the cute and clever. If there was a fear factor then let it be said. If a person is honest to themselves and about themselves then there is nothing on this planet to fear.

Imagine then, if you can, how it would be perceived for Complete Control Films to attend a private viewing of “Town Out Of Time” in the chamber of the council. To engage such action would be to turn democracy inside out – the people should not be going to their council, the council should be coming to the people. To ask such a request is only to heighten the perception that politicians are separate to people, that they are at best ill-informed and at worst arrogant. I have stated publicly on a number of occasions and on the night itself that the council has a thankless job and any council member knows on taking their seat that politics is a lose-lose game. I personally know that many councilors work extremely hard and that local politics is often tougher than the national arena because there is nowhere to hide, it is a goldfish bowl. The public is all too aware of this, but hard work cannot be only evident at a time of the politicians’ choosing but of the people they represent. Being present at the screening of a film that portrays Youghal as being on its knees is hard work but it would have been worth it to you and it would have been greatly appreciated by the people who were present.

Finally, and in conclusion, it is impossible not to wonder what screening the film in the council chamber could possibly achieve. We presume that the invitation is an attempt to right a wrong and that effort, however misjudged and well meaning, is appreciated. There have been many requests to re-screen the film such has been the interest. We are sure that the members are as curious as anyone else, but why should we afford a viewing to you and not the others? Having received an invitation, we do hope to screen the film at Youghal’s Adult Education Centre as a means of supporting students working with communication skills and to discuss the impact of film. This seems to us to be a wholly appropriate exercise. Viewing it in the council chamber serves no purpose, it would only inflate the undeserved self-importance of the film, the producers and the council. We hope that this letter makes clear the reasons why we must, and why we want, to decline your offer. Following submission to the offices of the council, we also intend to publish this letter online as we have been asked by so many people who attended the screening about our intentions following the media report in the Youghal News 20/01/211. Publishing the letter means all the people of Youghal who want to know, will know.

Sincerely,
Michael Twomey
Co-Producer “Town Out Of Time”
www.completecontrolfims.com