A Swallow’s Tale | Africa Day
Department of Foreign Affairs
The Department of Foreign Affairs commissioned bigO to create a video for Africa Day, an annual celebration of the continent’s unity celebrated each year on 25th May. A Swallow’s Tale captures the shared connections between Ireland and Africa through stories, songs, music and dance. It speaks to African immigrants living in Ireland and celebrates all that diversity brings to Ireland’s own culture.
In the film, an Irish seanchaí, Aindrias De Staic, and a Nigerian griot, Zeenie Summers, tell interlocking stories of the swallow’s journey as it migrates between Europe and Africa, set to music by traditional Irish musicians and musicians from the African diaspora in Ireland.
Context
“That was called home because home was where the people were.”
Just as the swallows go and come and come and go from Africa to Ireland, bringing birdsong and magic, this film illustrates that when we invite the rhythm of our neighbours into our hearts, we create new stories.
The video was nominated for Best Story/Writing at the International Shark Awards and won bronze for Best Music at the same festival.
It also scooped silver ICADs for Advertising Film – Web film over 60 seconds; Production Craft – Cinematography single; Production Craft – Music (new score); and a bronze ICAD for Production Craft – Editing single.
