Makkin Ulster – A new crafts series set in Ulster-Scots heartlands
Date Posted: November 27, 2023
Ulster’s rich heritage of craftsmanship takes centre stage in Makkin Ulster, a captivating new series funded by Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund. Set to reveal the soulful artistry of the region, the series straddles the Ulster-Scots heartlands of the Mournes to the Ards Peninsula and Hollywood to Ballintoy.
Through an intimate lens, viewers will gain exclusive access to the studios and workshops of Ulster’s most gifted artisans, exploring a diverse spectrum of crafts ranging from glassblowing to jewellery making, chocolate to metalwork, fiddle making to leatherwork.
Makkin Ulster intricately weaves together their stories, offering an immersive journey into the tactile world of master craftsmanship. Produced by Eamonn Devlin from Triplevision Productions Ltd in Belfast, Makkin Ulster aims to capture the essence and heritage within each craft.
“Visual storytelling becomes paramount, providing viewers with glimpses into each intricate craft through slow-mo shots and dramatic angles,” said Eamonn. “The audio experience accompanying the shorts allows the audience to feel the very pulse and rhythm of the materials and the craft at hand.”
Featuring a stellar lineup of artisans, Makkin Ulster introduces Saddler Lucy Cushley, Jeweller Ruth McEwan-Lyon, father and son Fiddle makers Peter and Rory Boardman, Metal Worker and Visual Artist Ned Jackson Smyth, husband-and-wife artisan glassblowers Andrea Spencer and Scott Benefield and passionate chocolatiers Shane and Dorothy Neary who are all dedicated to their craft.
This groundbreaking series also introduces specially commissioned Ulster-Scots poetry written and recited by Anne McMaster, a seasoned voice in the creative arts. Residing on a cherished old farm in rural mid-Ulster, Anne brings a wealth of experience as a poet, professional voice actor, editor, project designer and creative writing mentor. Her extensive background spans teaching in California, lecturing in English Literature and Performing Arts, and over 25 years of prolific work as a playwright and theatre director. Her poetry has been published extensively in the USA, Canada, the UK and Ireland.
Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund Executive Heidi McAlpin added, “Makkin Ulster is a beautiful addition to an ever-increasing portfolio of fantastic Ulster-Scots digital projects. Each episode in this Triplevision series showcases highly-skilled Ulster artisans at the top of their game. Special mention must also go to former Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund Trainee Andy Wilkinson whose editorial eye has helped create six stylish short films celebrating an array of crafts and skills.”
Through the stories, poetry and artistry of these talented individuals, the series is a vivid tapestry of sights, sounds and narratives that honour the time-honoured art forms shaping Ulster-Scots culture, place and identity.
Makkin Ulster promises an unforgettable exploration of tradition, artistry and the enduring spirit of the Ulster-Scots. To view the series click on the following link: MAKKIN ULSTER | Triplevision.
