‘This is Your River’ film raises importance of River Dodder

A FILM looking at the importance of the River Dodder and the work of the volunteers who maintain it was screened in Rua Red last Tuesday, June 25.

Titled ‘This is Your River’, the film was created and scripted by Victoria White from Dodder Action.

The filming was done by John Gormley with additional drone footage from Dodder Action, and the film was informed by a book by Dr Christopher Moriarty called ‘Down the Dodder’.

Victoria White from Dodder Action told The Echo: “We decided to make the film to raise awareness among communities of the importance of the river and their role as its custodians.

“Plus, we will use it as a tool when engaging with schools in order to educate the next generation that the Dodder is their river to look after.”

‘This is Your River’ was well received at the screening last week, which featured a speech by biologist, environmentalist and broadcaster Éanna Ní Lamhna.

Niamh Walker and Betty Doherty watching the film

In a post on social media, John Kiberd from the Tallaght Litter Mugs wrote: “This truly beautiful and informative film was introduced by the irrepressible force that is Éanna Ní Lamhna.

“’This is your River’ is a film for schools and the community and introduces viewers to the wonders of the Dodder River system and why it’s so special to communities up and down the valley.

“It is [an] opportunity to connect with nature and to learn more about this important part of our environment.”

Ms White also praised the success of the screening, and Ms Ní Lamhna’s contribution to the event.

“The Red Rua screening was great,” said Ms White.

Emer O’Reilly, Valerie Cannon and Paul Murray

“Éanna Ní Lamhna is a Dodder side resident and gave a great speech as to the importance of the river as a biodiversity corridor between the mountains and the sea.

“We got a great reaction but have yet to see these people getting active on clean-ups!”

The screening was followed by a visit to the newly-opened Whitestown Stream Park and the attendees gathered to watch the solstice sunset.

For more information on Dodder Action and ‘This is Your River’, visit www.dodderaction.org or follow the group on Facebook, X and Instagram.

The film was made by Greenstem Films with funding from the Local Authority Waters Programme.