Documentary on pioneering Irish woman travel writer to open festival

AWARD-winning travel writers such as Ranulph Fiennes, Jan Morris, Tim Severin and Damien Lewis will be travelling en masse to Co Waterford in June for the annual Immrama Festival of Travel Writers.

The world film premiere of a new documentary movie commissioned by Mixed Bag Media will open Immrama 2010.

Who is Dervla Murphy? examines the life and 50-year travels of Ireland’s most prolific travel writer.

Producer Garret Daly described Murphy as “an enigma in the publishing world”.

“Now in her late 70s, this film explores what makes this successful author the strong individual Irish woman who broke through the parameters of her times to set off around the world in search of something different,” he said.

It will be screened on Thursday, June 10, at the Courthouse Theatre Lismore.

Pico Iyer will open the literary programme on Friday, June 11. The author of seven books, his most recent, The Open Road, captures more than 30 years of talks and travels with the Dalai Lama.

On Saturday, Ranulph Fiennes, the first man to explore the North and South Poles, will give the festival’s first keynote speech.

The second keynote presentation will come from West Cork-based author and filmmaker Tim Severin.

Meanwhile, a Sunday morning literary breakfast presentation will feature award-winning author, Damien Lewis.

Closing the 2010 festival will be historian, author and travel writer, Jan Morris, who will host a literary reading at Fort William House.

Tickets for all events, including a discounted season ticket, are available from 058 53803.

* Full listing is available on http://www.lismoreimmrama.com/