Star Wars Crew Damages World Heritage Site

[xerxez]

This is a great disappointment. The S.W. crew damaged the ruins and grounds at Skellig Michael. They also circumvented the proper legal channels to film there since as a UNESCO world heritage site it would have required official approval from people who were not consulted. Further, a military ship was dispatched to keep people away by invoking a maritime safety law that was misapplied to ensure secrecy, not safety. I am only just discovering that a number of Irish scholars, poets, conservationists and ordinary people tried unsuccessfully to see that Irish and EU was followed. This is inexcusable on any grounds. My momentary thrill at seeing Skellig Michael jn the film is replaced with a very profound disappointment.
Beyond Belief

[Deleted]

There's nothing in that article about the site being damaged.

[18 Spears]

Protestors were angry from the very start about filming taking place on Skellig Michael Island. Disney, by all credible accounts, went out of their way to prevent harm to the island and follow the restrictive rules suggested by their government.

I think the really sad part about all this is how easily fans are duped and play right into the hands of those spreading disinformation.

[Vile Traveller]

I was surprised by the end scene, and the fact that it was obviously filmed at a heritage site. I'm not really clear why they could not just have built a set - it's hardly a complex or extensive structure. They should have known there would be conflict with conservationists and historians.

Whether or not the site was actually damaged, I think the whole process was very disappointing. When government starts misusing laws for a chance to work with Disney, something is deeply wrong, and I say this as someone with some experience of the most extreme example of that sort of thing (Hong Kong Disney).

[18 Spears]

Jan 11, 2016 17:15:15 GMT -6 Vile Traveller said:

... and I say this as someone with some experience of the most extreme example of that sort of thing (Hong Kong Disney).

Such as? no snark intended just curious.

[xerxez]

Actually, it was damaged. The first article I read about it contained that information and was the first I had heard of it.

I agree with Vile, I don't think now that they should have filmed there. It would be encouraging if Disney would respond to this story and offer apology, pay for repairs and ideally give money to Ireland Birdwatch, who very responsibly looks after the welfare of bird populations which use Skellig Michael.

I doubt the birds were harmed by the sets there but it would be a nice gesture. Birdwatch Ireland was one of the groups that was ignored by the Irish Government in the matter.



Indicents of Damage at Irish Island

[18 Spears]

Jan 11, 2016 19:40:53 GMT -6 xerxez said:

Actually, it was damaged. The first article I read about it contained that information and was the first I had heard of it.

The article doesn't sound very conclusive regarding recent repairs being Disney's fault. It read like recent repairs some were saying were Disney's fault could reasonably be attributed to other sources.

I'm not claiming The Mouse is blameless but I'm certainly going to need more than anecdotal evidence to condemn them.

[18 Spears]

By the way I hope I don't sound like I'm arguing with you. sorry if it seems that way I appreciate your input.

[xerxez]

I understand 18 Spears.

I'm certain the damage can be repaired.

It said eight steps were dislodged, I am hoping no one was insensate enough to move them deliberately for the purpose of setting up cameras or whatever..

The Office of Public Works is reporting the damage and I would imagine they don't wish to go into explicit detail, they have already received a great deal of criticism.

It seems to have been handled in a way that to me seems an affront to the nation, and the place is a very important legacy not only to Ireland but I believe the world. The Irish monks preserved and maintained so much classical and scriptural knowledge when mainland Europe was going through the Dark Ages, and in my opinion, were keepers of a sacred light.

But I'm sure Viking raids were far more destructive than Star Wars being filmed there.

[18 Spears]

Jan 11, 2016 20:36:36 GMT -6 xerxez said:

It seems to have been handled in a way that to me seems an affront to the nation, and the place is a very important legacy not only to Ireland but I believe the world. The Irish monks preserved and maintained so much classical and scriptural knowledge when mainland Europe was going through the Dark Ages, and in my opinion, were keepers of a sacred light.

I understand that very well. We have a site here in Texas, the Alamo, that holds a similar place in our hearts. Maybe the uproar will be enough to convince Disney to find an alternate site for the next 2 Star Wars mvoies.

[xerxez]

I understand sir, and assent without question to the courage of the defenders of the Alamo. Among others, Davy Crockett was astoundingly brave, and also a man of great conscience who was, forgive a cliche, ahead of his time.