#blaskets

[itsoliverohanlon]

Carl Marstrander was born in Kristiania (Oslo), Norway in November 1883. He studied Old and Middle Irish as an undergraduate in Oslo. Marstr...

Read about the Norwegian linguist, Carl Marstrander, who learned Irish at university in Oslo and then visited the Blasket Islands in Ireland in 1907 to practise his Irish with the islanders.

[slick-acrylic-n-oils]

Blasket Island Nocturne

[butterflavoredfilms]

More scholarly studies on our little isle! This one by Chris Fennell of University of Illinois 

[butterflavoredfilms]

Abstract: 

This paper will discuss, compare, and contrast the three main works of the Blasket Island authors: Peig, by Peig Sayers, The Islandman by Tomas O'Crohan, and Twenty Years A-Growing by Maurice O'Sullivan.

It will seek to identify unique elements of style, content, and purpose among the three authors, and in doing so will illuminate each piece's contributions to Blasket lore. Collectively, the paper should serve as a thorough introduction to Blasket literature and its overall place in Irish literature.

[dullandpointless]

Blasket islands, Kerry, Ireland

[butterflavoredfilms]

Last weekend we filmed in and around Springfield, MA -- the American gathering spot for Blasketers -- including a wonderful interview with Dr. Michael Carney, oldest living Islander and author of the newest (and likely last) Blasket memoir. We were lucky enough to have been on the island when Dr. Carney returned there last month, along with descendants of the beloved Robin Flower. It had certainly been many years since Kanes, Carneys, and Flowers were together on the Great Blasket, a special occasion indeed. We captured the touching moment of Dr. Carney's arrival, which you can witness in this little video.

But on with business! We are happy to announce that our Kickstarter goal was surpassed before its deadline this month, thanks to all the supporters who rallied beyond expectation! We thank everyone for chipping in what they could, increasing their pledges, and spreading the word as if they were one of the crew -- because really, they are. This story belongs to all of us, and we look forward to bringing it beyond our current circle of support by making a film to share with the world as well as generations to come.

The crew is already hard at work with that goal in mind, and the intention of getting the promised Rewards to our donors. If you missed the deadline to earn those but would still like Crest merchandise of your own, don't fret! We plan to have a store up soon -- stay tuned!

[butterflavoredfilms]

Micheál De Mórdha of Ionad An Bhlascaoid Mhoir (The Blasket Centre) forecasts what's in store for West Kerry participants of The Gathering this week. We'll be there to document those festivities as part of our documentary!

www.crestmovie.com

[butterflavoredfilms]

On the eve of our departure for Ireland, we're a tempest of excitement, nerves, and gratitude. We know every one of our donors' names and have seen their generosity push this project's needle closer and closer to the goal. We falter to convey our thanks for their enthusiasm, and for every penny they've pledged!

Our project is now at a critical moment. It has surpassed Kickstarter's statistical "tipping point" where success is more likely than failure, yet we're still underdogs. But that's no strange situation to the fighting Irish! So we're counting on you -- our audience and our would-be benefactors -- to help us rally in these final days. 

Why? 

Because in the end, this is all about you. We've been working so hard over the last several months because we want to make this film for you, and you are the ones have the power to make it happen.

How? 

Make a pledge. We're thrilled with all the enthusiasm our project has stirred up, and if praise and well wishes alone could make this thing happen we'd be very well equipped indeed. Unfortunately, getting this done requires money as well. 

As you can imagine, our necessary expenses for airfare, specialized equipment, insurance fees, accommodations, boat rentals, etc., are untenable for a handful of independent filmmakers, but spread out over hundreds of modest investments, you can help make a top quality documentary that will extend far beyond us all.

Help spread the word right until the clock runs out. Reblog this post. Share www.crestmovie.com on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter, and if you're so compelled, add it to your email signature or put it as an away message on Skype and chat. Send out an email or two (or twenty) to friends who are interested in history, Irish heritage, surfing, or independent film.

You can also raise the amount of your pledge at any time before the end of our campaign (thank you to those who already have!), which makes you eligible for those swanky higher level rewards. 

Remember, unless and until our $30,000 goal is successfully met by June 4th, you will not be charged a single cent. 

What that means is that even if we manage to raise $29,999.99 but nothing more, no backers will be billed and unfortunately the film won't benefit at all. 

In the next week we'll be having a lot of face time with the Irish press, and look forward to updating you on the articles that come out of that as well as the adventures in Ireland that will ultimately become The Crest -- thanks to your support.

Here we go!

John, Andy, Dennis, and the entire crew For updates & sneak peaks: Twitter Instagram