29 minute read
WanderLust: Transylvania at Halloween
from The Hype Issue 7
Kirsty Dowdall documents her time in Transylvania, Romania during Halloween
Everyone’s heard of New York City at Christmas, cruises in the summertime. But Halloween holidays are somewhat unheard of amidst conversations about travelling. It’s not really a commonality, or at least I haven’t heard about it before.
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So when my mother said she wanted to book a trip to Transylvania in Romania for the Halloween break last Autumn I was intrigued to say the least. On some level I knew Transylvania was a real place but it’s not something I’d ever really thought much into. My knowledge of the place was synonymous with Transylvania stereotypes – spooky castles, graveyards, vampires and bats flying around, you know the ones.
But Transylvania is a real place, and not at all what you would think it is. A region in central Romania, it’s scattered with medieval villages, surrounded by the picturesque Carpathian Mountains and absolutely saturated in history.
We arrived in Bucharest a couple of days before Halloween last October after enduring the most torturous, claustrophobic – but thankfully, short, flight I’ve ever been on. On the coach ride out of the city we drove past tiny run-down homes, massive unfinished mansions, typical industrialised areas and oil plants which did not smell like anything you want to smell on your holiday.
We stayed in a hotel directly in the centre of a little mountain town called Sinaia. During winter it operates as a ski resort and attracts a lot of tourists for that reason, but in late October the town was peaceful and extremely quiet.
Upon our arrival at the village it was pitch dark outside and my first impression of it was that it was beautiful, but not anything particularly special. I admired all the Addams family reminiscent houses we passed on the way in, the architecture was stunning but it didn’t really live up to what I’d seen on the internet.
Then I woke up the next morning. In the bright of day we discovered we were surrounded by vast miles of mountains covered in trees. The little village seemed ridiculously tiny nestled in between all the nature that surrounded it.
Our first day we visited Castelul Peles, the former summer home of the Romanian royal family. The castle – which was more of a palace was only a short bus ride away from where we were staying. We had a tour guide on our trip who explained the palace’s history to us as well as giving us recommendations about where to go and what to look at.
This trip was a particular favourite on the trip because of the sheer intricacy of the architecture and artwork. The palace is huge and is covered in frescoes, surrounded by beautiful sculptures, landscaping and of course the gorgeous mountain view.
The standout excursion of our trip however, was Bran Castle on Halloween. This castle is known as Dracula’s Castle by tourists and is located in the town of Bran which is just south of the medieval city of Brașov.
You can take a guided tour around the castle which rises tall on a 760m peak or you can explore the castle alone.
The rooms in the Castle are decorated with furniture collected by Queen Marie of Romania and the history of the castle is displayed in various mediums as you wander through the halls. The castle’s relation to Vlad the Impaler – the ruler who inspired the character of Dracula is complicated but also very interesting.
Visiting Dracula’s apparent tomb was also something to remember. I say apparent because archaeologists and historians are still unsure as to whether Vlad the Impaler was actually buried there. It’s located at the remote Snagov Monastery on an island in the middle of a lake and definitely worth a visit regardless of the mystery surrounding it.
The island can be reached by a little footbridge and on your trip across the water to the monastery you can see the mansions of some of the richest people in Romania which surround it.
Overall, a trip to Transylvania is definitely worth consideration if you’re someone who loves exploring countries with beautiful scenery, architecture and rich history. Food and drink was also incredibly affordable even in the more tourist populated areas and if you decide to try one of the cakes you’re in for a surprise.
It’s not a trip you have to take at Halloween time but I feel October was the perfect time to go there and enjoy the spooky-themed activities.
Finding a style that suits you and where to shop
Finding a style that suits you can be difficult. Here are Isabella Finn’s top tips on finding clothing that suits your personality
Your clothing can say a lot about you, and your choice of clothing can speak volumes. Beyond style, it has the potential to tell the world about you and who you are. How you present yourself can make or break a first impression. But why do clothes hold so much societal weight? Because, apparently this is Madonna’s material world and we’re all just living in it.
How do I distinguish my sense of personal style? You have a few options for this, start by breaking down your lifestyle and interests and see how they influence your taste. You might be influenced by what your favourite colour is or the music you
listen to, or maybe even the style of the artist. And if you’re passionate enough about politics to wear them then by all means get creative but inoffensive. If you’re still struggling to channel what you’re influenced by, as a last resort, take a BuzzFeed quiz like the rest of us.
So as not to disappoint yourself midway through your ‘style journey’, be wary and conclude if you are financially stable to keep up with your chosen clothing style, some are more expensive than others. To kick things off, different parts of Dublin cater to different styles, and I have split up four distinct ‘districts’ for you.
First up is Henry Highstreet, Henry Street if
Top tips for travelling solo
Joy Nwagiriga shares some helpful tips for staying safe while travelling alone
Solo Travelling can be the most fulfilling way to explore life. Some people find the idea of being in a foreign country by yourself daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Exploring the world friendless might just be the best thing you’ll ever do!
The first thing to think about when planning your first solo adventure is location. Pick somewhere you’ve always wanted to go that isn’t in the middle of nowhere.
The most important part of companionless travel is planning. Make a document with the address of your accommodation and local police station, activities you’ll be doing and surrounding cities you plan on visiting. Share this with someone you trust and check in with them regularly.
Most unaccompanied tourists chose to stay in hotels or Airbnb’s because they are safer. The concierge at hotels can be godsends when it comes to local information. You can find out the best restaurants, bars and tourist attractions in the city. No matter the kind of accommodation you choose, be sure to read the reviews. Also do some research on the shady parts of town and avoid them like the plague!
Google is your best friend. A simple google search will show you the most popular things the city has to offer, and Google maps will show you the way there.
Stop a local and ask for help. They’ll tell you about the hidden gems in the area and the cheapest place to get a good coffee. Don’t be afraid to spark a conversation with someone at the bar, you never know… they might be your soulmate.
Meetup and Eventbrite are also great ways to find local events and activities. You get to meet people with similar interests while doing something you enjoy. If you still feel lonely, book a tour. Instant friendships guaranteed!
Use the opportunity to do something you wouldn’t normally do with friends and cross a couple things off your bucket list. Whether its bungee jumping off a bridge or spending the afternoon in a museum. Travel during the day when possible. More incidents happen at night, so it’s better to do longer journeys when the sun’s out. Book trusted
you didn’t catch that, home to staple highstreet clothing retailers such as New Look, River Island, Topshop and Penneys (technically Mary’s Street). Henry Highstreet caters to those who want to stay on trend with sometimes fad fashion. These shops are attractive because they can be reasonably priced and often mimic the styles of what we see on television. We’re comfortable with these shops and their clothes because they are familiar. Whether you want a softer or edgier approach to your personal style through a series of hair ties or hoop earrings; Henry Highstreet has you covered.
Next up is Typically Alternative Temple Bar, for the festival kids. Temple Bar is one of Dublin City Centre’s most popular tourist spots, it has a host of pubs, bars, eateries, galleries and whacky clothes shops. Some of these boutiques are vintage or repurposed retailers and the articles of clothing they sell are often loud. If you’re a festival kid conscious of your carbon footprint caused by mass production clothing then you might find your style here.
Glam Grafton Street is for those who can afford it. Yes it has some of the same shops as our Highstreet friend but the rest of the designer clothing retailers who live here carry bigger price tags. Grafton Street is perfect if you want to update your wardrobe with a luxury quality item that looks expensive, because chances are it is expensive. Designer trends can have a longer shelf life as they influence the highstreet remakes. This is more suited to a person who is smart with saving their money and what they buy for their wardrobe, a good quality item requires good quality care.
Georges Street Grunge is not as similar to Temple Bar style as you think it is, sometimes it’s not even that grungy. Georges Street Arcade starts with Nirvana band t-shirts and ends with retro 1950’s dresses and underskirts. From heavy metal to do-wop swing and everything in between, the Arcade is for music lovers of a different time. Now that you have your aesthetic put together and know the geography of where to find it go get to work, or don’t, at the end of the day it’s just clothes.
transportation and private cabins/ seating, if you can afford it.
Alcohol can be a good and bad thing for a solo traveller. Sharing a few drinks with someone you’ve met on your travels can be fun, but it can also make you vulnerable quite quickly. Don’t get too drunk and always drink in moderation.
Take your time to explore the local culture and cuisine. Don’t order your usual chicken nuggets, surprise your taste buds and try something “exotic”. Learning a few words of the local language can go a long way; for directions, basic needs and asking for help. Taking time to pick up the native dialect, shows respect for your destination’s culture.
Solo travelling doesn’t have to be boring or scary. The world is your oyster so make the most of it today and allow yourself to experience it!
Green smoothie recipes for boosting the immune system
The battle through winter is almost behind us, be it from coughs, colds or sore throats but as the seasons begin to change once more, we must continue to boost our immune systems and I may have the correct answer to help fight off what’s ahead- a classic green smoothie!
Rich with Vitamin C, E, fibre and antioxidants to name a few, a green smoothie will leave you feeling energised, full of the most important nutrients to strengthen your immune system as well as giving your skin a clearer complexion.
Over the years, scientists have proved certain foods are filled with antioxidants and vitamins, therefore eating the correct foods will evidently strengthen your immune system. Why not throw these foods into a blender and bask in the delight of having a stronger immune system in one simple drink?
Foodiecrush.com presents us with not only a delicious and wholesome green smoothie but a complete “immune booster,” jam-packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants to ward off any approaching infections.
The ingredients area as follows- 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach and kale, 1 and a 1/2 cups of Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk, 1 and a 1/2 cups of a frozen mix of mango, pineapple, and kiwi chunks, 1/2 a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and 1/2 a juiced lemon.
First add the spinach, kale and almond milk then blitz, followed by the frozen fruit, lemon and ginger and blend until smooth.
A plethora of health benefits awaits you after the consumption of this smoothie including 55 per cent of your daily Vitamin A recommendation, 78 per cent of your Vitamin C, 26 per cent of your calcium and 6 per cent of your iron daily values as well as totalling at 112 calories for this fulfilling green during this flu season
delight.
“Ambitious Kitchen” provides us with the ultimate “Delicious Immune Boosting Wellness Smoothie” consisting of 1 Banana, 1 cup of frozen pineapple, 2-3 cups of organic spinach, 1 knob of fresh ginger, peeled (about 2 inches of ginger), 1 knob of turmeric root (about 2 inches’ fresh turmeric), 1/2 tablespoon of Manuka or raw honey, 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper (or a couple of grinds) and 1/2-3/4 cup of almond milk or coconut milk.
This recipe makes two smoothies, aids digestions, boosts immunity and contains as little as 130 calories. It can also be made in just five minutes, what more could you want?
The banana provides potassium and healthy carbohydrates, the black pepper has antiinflammatory benefits and other ingredients aid digestion, provide fibre, vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants.
This last recipe is both vegan and gluten free, again from the “Ambitious Kitchen” and is packed with over 9g of fibre per serving. You will need 1 and a 1/4 cups of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1 organic apple, (peeled and chopped), 1 medium frozen banana, 1 and a 1/2 cups of fresh organic spinach, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and half a medium avocado and blitz altogether for 1-2 minutes with a strong blender.
This recipe serves two and contains 235 calories, 4.4g of protein, 32.8g of carbohydrates, 15.3g of sugar and 12g of fat.
These three quick recipes are only a tiny fraction of what is available and with a touch of a button or a google search you can be braced with an abundance of green smoothie recipes to boost your immune system, keep any infections at bay and improve your daily lifestyle!
Vitamin supplements: A worthwhile spend or can a healthy diet suffice?
Rachel Power takes us through important
vitamins our bodies need that Irish people could be lacking A s the January blues hit and the stress of college life begin to increases for us all, it’s important to understand what we need in order to keep our bodies in check. Vitamins are essential to maintaining a healthy body, but some are more important to prioritise than others.
In Ireland, it’s a well-known fact that sunshine isn’t exactly our best friend. Vitamin D is absorbed into our systems from sunlight, so with our usual lack of sunshine throughout the year, naturally a lot of us are lacking in this vitamin.
When we lack vitamin D, our bones become more brittle and can break more easily. While it’s true that calcium is essential to having strong bones, vitamin D plays an equally important part in maintaining our strength, both in our bones and our muscles.
Calcium, which we know can be gained from dairy products like milk and cheese, builds our bone As we live in Ireland, it’s a wellknown fact that the sunshine isn’t exactly our best friend “
strength. But this is no good to us without a bit of vitamin D because it’s this vitamin that allows the absorption of calcium into our system.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland provides a list of products which contain vitamin D, such as eggs, fish, and cereals.
Not only is vitamin D essential to keeping bones strong, but it plays a key role in helping our immune systems. It helps to fight off symptoms of the flu, and according to Healthline, it can even help in regulating our moods and fighting depression.
A study conducted in 2008 by the Journal of Internal Medicine found that people who suffered from depression noticed slight changes in their mood once they began to increase their vitamin D intake.
Iron is one of the most important minerals in our bodies, and without it, we develop anaemia, which is a condition where our blood lacks enough red blood cells that hold and transport oxygen through our bodies. This can cause tiredness and pale skin. By having enough iron in our blood cells, we
allow more oxygen to travel through our bodies which helps to keep us more alert, and less tired. This is why it’s such an important mineral to have, especially among students who need to focus more frequently and for longer periods of time.
Iron can be found in green vegetables, like spinach, as well as most red meats, grains and beans.
Vitamin C is another vital vitamin for our bodies. Without it, we are tired and our skin becomes damaged according to Healthline. Lack of vitamin C can cause increased bruising and joint pain.
Vitamin C can be found in fruit and vegetables, such as squash, broccoli, oranges, tomatoes and peppers. It helps to reduce our blood pressure and fights against heart diseases, which is why it’s so important.
Most vitamins and minerals can be found in food that we eat every day, but if some are unique to foods that aren’t exactly on your taste palette, then various health shops like Holland and Barrett sell vitamin supplements that work just as well.
Róisín Cullen explores how minimalists live in a world of materialism Achieving a minimalist lifestyle
Pints with friends. Pints with family. Pints for the sake of pints. The overindulgence of the festive period is remedied by a call for a dry January and a healthier lifestyle.
Tins of biscuits, selection boxes and three course meals in December are met with diet plans and gym memberships in January.
Christmas is a period of overindulgence. Santa delivers the entire Smyth’s catalogue to certain households as the adults purchase hover boards, the latest phone that makes your old one seem obsolete and the other gimmicks that you need to buy a significant other to fill the void you both feel in your everyday lives. We lament our bank balances, the household waste and the fact that most of these Christmas 2019 “must-haves” will never see the light of day again. Yet, queues upon queues of consumers flock to high street stores at ungodly hours to browse the sales.
We are often so blinded by the power of advertising and the promise of what was once the American dream that we fail to realise that the desire to always have more and to gather “stuff” can become an addiction.
Advertisers constantly tell us that we are not good enough, and when you hear something often enough you soon start to believe it. Our insecurities are used against us. In the nineties products became cheaper leading to an unprecedented binge that has never truly ended despite economic turmoil. One good coat winter coat from Arnott’s has become ten bargain buys from fast fashion websites because we simply can’t be seen in the same outfit twice. Well-built dolls houses passed through generations of children have been replaced by cheap TV show figurines that are rendered useless if you fail to collect them all.
As human beings we often associate possessions to important people in our lives and accidentally start to love these material objects in the way we would love the person that gifted them to us. The hunt for food and for shelter during caveman times is now a never-ending hunt for a perfect life that does not actually exist, a need that cannot be fulfilled. Minimalism can easily be labelled as Instagram’s latest phase, the newest, most innovative way for celebrities to boast their wealth. We see stars promote expensive shoes that are designed to look cheap. We laugh at Robert Pattinson and his attempt to look like an old Irish tenant farmer. It is of course far easier to be “minimalist”, when it is by choice and not by default.
There is a massive difference between a supposedly minimalist Californian home that costs 2.7 million and an empty room on Dorset St where the resident goes to sleep staring into the loving eyes of their washing machine that doubles as a study desk. “Decluttering” is not a luxury presented to many of us, yet we can see the appeal for former wolves of wall street and junior executives. We remember the picture of the leader of the very corporation at the epicentre of this crisis, a young and seemingly happy Steve Jobbs sits wearing a simple black polo neck in a barren room. It is hard to believe in the promise of a life with more meaning, when Apple’s ethos is and always will be that the latest model is the best model.
N e t f l i x ’ s d o c u m e n t a r y “Minimalism” explores the lives of those who felt the need to jump off the corporate ladder in the search for a life where people and relationships are more important than things. They rid their lives of things that do not bring them happiness or do not serve a purpose explaining that while one car may be a necessity, a second car is the beginning of an addiction. Jimmy Carter’s stark warning during his time as president seems to ring very true in a world where we are simply living beyond our means and destroying the planet that is our home.
“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns.” Taking care of your hair’s curls and waves T here are always people who straighten their hair versus people who curl their hair. If you have naturally straight hair, you may bring a curling tong to it every now and then. If you have curly hair, you may spend the majority of your life straightening it into submission.
The reality is there is also an in-between (the wavy-haired people), and there is a spectrum of hair texture that is starting to become more and more understood.
Curl range is given with a number and a letter, starting with 1A (for absolutely straight hair) and ending in 4C which is the absolute curliest. Wavy hair is typically in the 2A to 2C range, and includes some allowance for pieces of straight hair and variety of texture throughout the hair.
It can be difficult to find your hair type, as incorrect care can lead to damage of your curl pattern and an increase in frizz. However, if you take care of your hair it may turn into the kind of which you never thought possible!
The Curly Girl method has a cult-following of wavy and curly-headed people alike. Online groups and forums sing the praises of the method while suggesting new and exciting ways of incorporating it into your life. At the basis of the Curly Girl method is one key thought: no sulfates, silicones, or parabens.
Sulfates, often sodium laureth sulfate, are found in almost every shampoo as the main cleansing ingredient. The exact same sulfates are used in laundry products to remove dirt, but on hair they often serve to strip the natural oil which has been keeping the hair from drying out. This has many side effects including hair loss. Béibhinn Thorsch shares how to create and manage curly and wavy hair, and tips for maintaining good hair health In the nineties products became cheaper leading to an unprecedented binge that has never truly ended despite economic turmoil “ Silicone is used in your hair products as a sealant against water and even air. It gives the hair the illusion of shine, but it is not the shine we want— it is a fake shine from the plastic. While we may be lured in by the look o f t h e shine, we must remember our hair is covered in this product and can be damaged from the unnatural ingredients.
Parabens are chemical preservatives, but there has been huge speculation of them being harmful despite little to no concrete evidence. Many believe parabens cause cancer, as they have been found in breast cancer tissue.
Even if you use products which are free of these chemicals, the curly girl method calls for hair to be washed no more than once a week. Over time, hair learns to produce less oil and so it isn’t until just before you take your shower that your hair may seem greasy.
Wash day is a huge part of the method. You have your shampoo and conditioner with the correct ingredients, but there is much more. Do you have a conditioning mask? A curl cream for post-shower? A heat protector if you plan on using a diffuser to dry your hair?
The Curly Girl Method endorses mainly only washing the scalp, where the oil and residue buildup is most likely to be. While truly curly-haired people may not wish to shampoo too often (sometimes called a “lowpoo” where the cleansing ingredient in the shampoo is at an absolute minimum), most others will need to do so. Many who follow the Curly Girl Method have created YouTube channels featuring their haircare and showing exactly how to use all these products for the best outcome.
People often find that using the tips from the Curly Girl Method have led to their curls reaching new heights they never saw them at before. If you’re curious about the Curly Girl Method, there is no harm in giving it a go. The Curly Girl method has a cult-following of wavy and curly-headed people alike “
Best equipment to invest in for vlogging Ryan Carrick shares the most effective and popular equipment in the vlogging world
Vlogging provides people with the ability to share our thoughts, beliefs and lives with others while some even make a successful career out of it. If you are new to the vlogging game, a simple smartphone would suffice for the more basic elements of vlogging. But if you are planning on taking things a little more serious, without the proper gear, it is difficult to provide the quality of video that people have come to expect from serious vlogging. Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III
Canon’s G7 range has long been popular amongst the vlogging community. The Mark III, however, includes a number of new additional features. The new implementation is equipped with uncropped 4K video recording while retaining the impressive 20.1 megapixel one-inch sensor. An addition that had been requested by users of the range is that of a microphone socket, allowing vloggers to venture past the limits of the internal microphones, if required.
Furthermore, one can now live stream to YouTube using the G7 X Mark III meaning there is no need to downgrade to using a smartphone when vlogging your surroundings live. The body of the camera sits comfortably in the hand, with plenty of rubber for comfort and security. It finds a nice balance between portability and usability.
The Mark III has a strong focus on amateur videographers and vloggers and this is seen in the improvements made specific to video recording. It is certainly an improvement on its predecessor, the already impressive Mark II, with its enhanced video specs. Prices range from €600 to €800. GoPro Hero 8
After avoiding near-bankruptcy due to the success of the Hero 7 model, GoPro released the Hero 8, a worthy successor. It is the most compact GoPro to date. For the more outdoorsy vlogger, this will stand up against extreme conditions. Typical of other GoPro models, the Hero 8 is waterproof and can be submerged 10m underwater without a case. In terms of recording video, the footage and image quality is excellent partly due to the 4K60 footage you can get from the Hero 8 and also due to the HyperSmooth image stabilisation. According to the Irish Times, “this is GoPro at its best.” The Hero 8 would set you back between €300 and €400. Joby Gorillapod
The tripod that remains head and shoulders above its competition is the ‘original flexible tripod’, the Joby Gorillapod. This flexible tripod has legs that are designed to bend and warp. This allows one to set up on surfaces that would be impossible for a traditional tripod. There have been many attempts at imitations of the original Gorillapod and although the aesthetic may be easy to replicate, the durability, strength and functionality of the Joby Gorillapod is much more difficult to achieve.
There are models designed to carry smartphones and action cameras up to heavy-weight mirrorless cameras. They are extremely lightweight and portable, making it possible to carry it in a small camera bag and lug it around the harshest terrain. Depending on the size of the model, prices range from €20 to over €100. Rode Videomic Pro
The importance of a good microphone cannot be overstated. While it is possible to fix or at least improve bad image quality, it is almost impossible to fix bad audio. The best microphone for vloggers seeking a shotgun-style mic is the Rode Videomic Pro. For travel-vloggers, unwanted noise from the surrounding people and environment can be minimised with the ‘Rycote Lyre’ shockmount on the Videomic Pro. The Videomic Pro delivers broadcast-quality sound and is compatible with camcorders, DSLRs and other compatible portable video cameras. It costs around €169. A region in central Romania, it’s scattered with medieval villages, surrounded by the picturesque Carpathian Mountains and absolutely saturated in history “
Powerful Irish women in the film industry
Shauna Power talks about the rise of some of Ireland’s most powerful women
in the film industry, both on screen and off
The Irish Film Industry has always been overwhelmingly male-dominated with actors such as Cillian Murphy, Colin Farrell and Liam Neeson making a stance on the international stage. Historically Irish film has lacked strong female voices and vision. However, Irish women still fight to make their mark in the Irish and international film industry.
Arguably Ireland’s most successful acting star, dominating the Hollywood scene, is 25 year-old Saoirse Ronan. She’s the second-youngest fourtime Oscar nominee ever and her recent role in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women will undoubtedly cement her name as one of the greats.
The Carlow native is used to rubbing elbows with some of Hollywoods’ most acclaimed, from Mark Wahlberg and Peter Jackson who she worked with on ‘The Lovely Bones’ to James McAvoy and Keira knightley.
Not only is Ronan a powerful on-screen force, she also does her fair share of charity work. She is an ambassador for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children along with supporting Home Sweet Home, an organisation that works with
Not only is Ronan a powerful on-screen force, she also does her fair share of charity work “ the homeless making efforts to increase housing opportunities.
Another inspiring Irish actress is Evanna Lynch. She shot to fame as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series, a role Saoirse Ronan was also considered for. She ended up being one of the most popular characters in the series thanks to her charming and magical portrayal of the beloved character.
Having suffered from anorexia nervosa in the past, Lynch spends a lot of time promoting healthy self esteem and body-image in young girls, through her instagram feed. In early 2011, she wrote an essay ‘Why the Body Find is My Nightmare’ describing her emotional struggles with her appearance and how she overcame it. She has also carried out fundraising work for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland.
2019 was a great year for Irish female filmmaking talent. Louise Bagnalls’ short film ‘Late Afternoon’ received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short gaining her worldwide recognition. She is a member of Irish Animation Studio Cartoon Saloon, which is a four Time Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy nominated
animation studio based in Kilkenny.
Cartoon Saloon was established by Nora Twomey, Paul Young and Tomm Moore in 1999 with Twomey leading the way. Twomey co-directed Tomm Moore’s Academy award nominated The Secret of Kells, having first directed short films Darkness and Cúilín Dualach. She has also won several international awards including the Audience and Jury Awards at Annecy, according to Cartoon Saloons’ website.
In an interview with RTÉ last year Twomey spoke about how the previous mis representation of women in the film industry should ‘‘strike us as really strange’’. She said,‘‘change is necessary and overdue’’.
However she believes The Film Industry is in a good place when it comes to its’ growing and influential female presence.
‘‘Seeing the amount of young women coming up through the colleges and into roles in the animation industry means they are going to have a long-term positive effect on the stories we watch on our screens’’.
EXPOSURE WATER
Joy Nwagiriga
Rachel Power
Shauna Power
Ruairi Carberry
CREDITS COVER: Netflix ARTS Page 3: Mac Miller album cover Page 4: Eminem album cover, WikiMedia Page 5: Isabella Finn Page 6: Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures Page 7: Netflix, Netflix Page 8: Netflix, Netflix LIFESTYLE Page 9: Flickr, ITV Page 10: Kirsty Dowdall Page 11: PxFuel, PxFuel Page 12: Ruairi Carberry, Roisin Maguire Page 13: Flickr, Piqsels Page 14: Pixabay, WikiMedia
Green smoothie recipes for boosting the immune system
Katie Lowry shows us the easiest ways to make green smoothies to help us during this flu season
