The next generation of Irish film talent will be showcased at this July's Galway Film Fleadh, with the world premiere of the latest series of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland's New Irish Short films.
Funded under the agency's Short Stories and Frameworks schemes this year's crop will also include a special short film presentation — the World Premiere of the Screen Ireland and Sky Arts co-production of actor Jack Reynor’s directorial debut, Bainne, starring Will Poulter.
Something Doesn't Feel Right, Wrath, Break Us and Twin are the live-action films produced under the Short Stories scheme premiering at this year’s Fleadh, alongside Abe’s Story and Lady Isabel and the Elf Knight, co-funded under RTÉ and Screen Ireland’s Frameworks scheme for animation.
Bainne, written and directed by Jack Reynor and starring Reynor's Glassland co-star Will Poulter, was filmed on location in Blessington. Set during the last year of The Great Famine, Poulter plays a farmhand working for the local landlord who has hardened his heart against his countrymen to ensure his own survival. When he encounters a ghostly female figure stealing milk from the landlord’s barn, his resolve is tested and he is beguiled on a journey towards hope.
"Our investment in short films is one of the key cornerstones in the development of the next generation of filmmakers," says Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Chief Executive James Hickey. "We hope that these short films will be seen by audiences at film festivals around the globe. The recent Academy Award nomination for 'Late Afternoon' directed by Louise Bagnall and funded under the Frameworks scheme is a real example of just how far these shorts can travel."
About the Short Films:
Wrath, written and directed by Suri Grennell and produced by Bjorn Mac Giolla for Bear Print Media was filmed on location in Straide and Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo. At the precipice of womanhood and plagued with foreboding dreams, Maria must confront the mistrust of her family as a strange epidemic sweeps the nation.
Break Us, written and directed by Rioghnach Ni Ghrioghair and produced by Claire McCabe for 925 Productions, with Laura McNicholas on board as executive producer was filmed on location in Kilcloon, Co. Meath. During the course of a robbery, a loved-up couple discovers what they're made of. Will they break the law, or just break up?
Something Doesn’t Feel Right, directed by Fergal Costello, written by Ged Murray and produced by Fiona Kinsella for Jumper Productions was filmed on location in Lough Dan, Co Wicklow. A weary slasher villain puts in the hours and planning necessary to pull off perfect kills until he encounters victims that don't behave like they should, dammit.
Twin, written and directed by Ciaran Dooley and produced by Matt D’Arcy for Banjoman Films was filmed on location in Dublin. On the eve of her 21st Birthday, Ava explores the grief felt by the loss of her twin sister and attempts to overcome it.
Abe’s Story, written and directed by Adam Stewart, co-written by Garry Walsh and produced by Eilish Kent. In Victorian London, overworked Irish writer Abe is inspired by his day job in the theatre to create a bloody brilliant novel.
Lady Isobel and the Elf Knight, written and directed by Cashell Horgan, animated by Graham Isherwood and produced by Andrew Moore. A lonely princess dreams of a shining knight but has to make do with an Elf Knight instead.
The world premiere of Screen Ireland’s 2019 slate of short films will take place on Saturday, 13th July in the Town Hall Theatre at 11:45pm, as part of this year's Galway Film Fleadh - find out more here.
