A new film, Immrám, that follows the lives of former Wexford hurling captain Diarmuid Lyng and his partner, artist Siobhán de Paor, whose mission is to create a cultural revival, will premiere at this year’s Film Fleadh, which runs from July 8-13.

Diarmuid and Siobhán follow the teachings of the late Kerry philosopher John Moriarty (1938-2007), a longtime resident of Connemara.

Their approach involves living in harmony with nature and embracing the Irish language, as well as practising ancient customs and rituals.

Siobhán, from An Rinn in Waterford, met Diarmuid in Corca Dhuibhne, County Kerry, in 2017. They now live in Mullinavat, County Kilkenny, with their three young children, and run Wild Irish Retreat, an organisation that aims to connect people with Irish and reignite an awareness of living in harmony with nature.

Having recently launched a community-driven fundraising campaign to buy the property that they currently rent, their aim is “to establish a permanent cultural and Irish-language centre: a living space for story, spirituality, and connection”.

The two want to raise their children in tune with nature and tradition, living indigenously in a modern society.

Filmed over the course of a year, the new documentary captures them at home in Kilkenny, as well as taking part in different gatherings and rituals.  These include ‘wild hurling’, sweat lodges and Irish language poetry. Diarmuid runs spiritual retreats for men and the film travels to the Wicklow hills with him for one of those gatherings.

It also follows the Lyng family and friends as they embark on a 10-day pilgrimage in the south of Ireland.

Immrám from Fierce Quiet Films is produced by Belgian-Irish filmmaker Mieke Vanmechelen. She also co-directs it, along with filmmaker and lecturer at Queen’s University, Belfast Michael Holly.

Mieke describes it as “an immersive, experimental documentary, more of a sensorial journey than a traditional narrative”.

“Diarmuid and Siobhán’s open-mindedness, thoughtfulness and engagement in a broader cultural dialogue” made them fascinating subjects for a film, she adds.

“In a post-Catholic, neo-liberal Ireland, they are working to establish new cultural and spiritual connections that resonate with nature. I believe that viewers will find their journey truly inspiring.”

John Moriarty is a constant presence in the documentary, adds co-director Michael, as footage and interviews with the Lyng family are juxtaposed with archival television footage of the late philosopher.

“Moriarty wanted to reconnect with his wild nature to decivilise himself by living a life in communion with the rhythms of nature and engaging with the profundities of mystical philosophies from around the world.”

The film’s score has been composed and is performed by Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh.

Immrám will be screened on Saturday, July 12. The full Fleadh programme was launched on Tuesday evening, and for more information on this film and all events, go to www.galwayfilmfleadh.com.

Pictured: Former Wexford captain Diarmuid Lyng and artist and poet Siobhán de Paor.