The White Dress

An enigmatic tale of a young girl determined to participate in the ritual of First Holy Communion, even if she has to go it alone.

A young girl wakes up in a grim flat, washes herself and dons a white dress, shoes and handbag.  She completes her outfit with white ribbons stolen from a shop as she makes her way to the church, alone. Surrounded by other happy communicants and their families, she bravely participates in the ceremony and happily accepts a five euro note from a man in the church grounds.

With great economy, Vanessa Gildea constructs a complex narrative reflecting upon child neglect; poverty; the power of long-held traditions of the Catholic Church and the determination of a young girl to be accepted by the community in the face of great odds.

This film is part of F-Rated: Short Films by Irish Women. To view more from the collection click here. It is also part of Children on Film. To see more from the collection, click here.

IFI recommendation: 8+