With full intent : the making of the film "Accident of geography"

Abstract

This thesis considers the making of a documentary videotape addressing the issue of Irish immigration - a phenomenon dating back hundreds of years and recounted in song, poetry and literature, but not a focus of serious film, either within or outside of Ireland. The subject of immigration is explored specifically through documenting Pat Ruth, a 63-year-old Irish native who was forced by the economic realities of Ireland to emigrate, first to England and then to America. His story evokes the questions of identity, nationalism, and human struggle common to all immigrants. Having to emigrate was a question of fate-- based on his country of birth-- and thus an accident of geography. This thesis is accompanied by the videotape titled "Accident of Geography", a 45-minute videotape originally shot on Hi-8 and 3/4" U-matic cassette. It has black and white and color sequences, and the sound track is in English.