Mincéir review: A contemplative work of art rather than a nuts-and-bolts documentary

Mincéir, Theresa Lavina’s documentary about the lived experiences of Travellers in 21st-century Ireland (RTÉ One, 9.35pm), has a meditative, almost dreamlike quality. But while there is no denying the power with which it blends Traveller songs, folklore and historic footage with present-day testimony, its elliptical style can be frustrating and it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the speakers and the subject matter at hand.
That being said, it is, of course, important Travellers have a voice on the national airwaves, and their testimony is compelling. “The last form of racism … that’s what Travellers are,” says one woman. Another recalls concealing their Traveller identity when they were younger for fear of prejudice. “There is more hate for our community than any other … An old grudge passed down through society.”
Mincéir explores Traveller identity from a multitude of angles, though it doesn’t tell you this at the outset, and you have to piece it together as you watch. The fading of Travellers’ distinct feeling of community is lamented by Nora Corcoran of the Galway Traveller Movement. “A lot of kids have lost a sense of their own identity,” she says. The hope, she continues, was that “if I merged into society I would be treated the way everyone else is treated”.
The degree to which Travellers were marginalised in the early years of the State is touched on. Tinsmith James Collins recalls his father selling his wares for basic foodstuffs. “We used to swap them for the spuds, the cabbage. That’s the way we had of feeding ourselves.”
The documentary maker Lavina, from Spain and based in Galway, also touches on the position of women within Traveller society. “What the men would say would be final. It’s the women that keep the family together,” says one woman. “Traditionally the role of women was looking after the children,” adds another. “Those roles were very, very traditional in the Traveller community.”
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The director also looks at the issue of feuding. A contributor talks about the emergence of a “Traveller mediator” helping to take the heat out of disputes. These are neutral figures who seek a peaceful resolution to misunderstandings, he says. This is interesting – but viewers may have wanted to know more. The film merely scratches the surface and moves on.
Mincéir has been screened at festivals in Ireland and around the world and perhaps functions best as a contemplative work of art rather than as nuts-and-bolts documentary. The defining tone is sadness – a reflection of both the discrimination against Travellers and also the falling into history of the old ways. It doesn’t do much to expand our knowledge of the Traveller community – but the film nonetheless makes for moving and absorbing viewing.