RTÉ and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland have announced details of four new Storyland dramas premiering this December on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, including the first Irish language Storyland.
Since its inception in 2009, Storyland has acted as a launchpad for Irish writing, directing, producing, and acting talent throughout Ireland to develop and further their careers.
The Ick
First up is The Ick, airing Monday, 8 December on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player at 9:30pm. When an image-obsessed dater contracts a mysterious condition that causes her to embody the worst traits of her romantic rejections, she's forced to confront her own superficiality before the "ick" consumes her, or someone else. Starring Sophie Vavasseur, Hannah Mamalis and Jack Hickey. Produced by Aaron Chalke and written and directed by Jason Branagan for Playbook Media.
Dúirt Bean Liom
Next is Dúirt Bean Liom, airing Thursday, 11 December on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. In a quiet Gaeltacht town, a Kurdish family's attempt to seek justice following an altercation with local teens sets off a chain reaction based on fear and misunderstanding. A misread encounter becomes twisted through word of mouth into something more sinister and as rumours spread like wildfire, a town is gripped by panic, culminating in a volatile showdown. Starring Danny Mac Eachmharcaigh, Seroosh Max Salimi, Zak Moradi, Tim Creed, Megan Armitage and Gina Goda. Produced by Lia Campbell and directed and co-written by Daniel Butler, co-written by Matthew Roache for Escape Pod Media.
Grace
The coming-of-age drama Grace will premiere on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Monday, 15 December. Grace, a young woman with Down Syndrome, and her boyfriend's love story is upended as others make decisions on her behalf, forcing her to fight for her independence, her relationship and her right to be heard. Filmed entirely from Grace's perspective, conversations about her life are overheard through door cracks, over banisters, or from the next room, immersing the audience in her world. Starring Fiadhnait Canning, Luca Malocco Mulville, Carrie Crowley, Jeanne Nicole Ní Áinle, Deirdre Morley, Ally Ní Chiaráin and others. Produced by Nuala Carr, Executive Producer is Zlata Filipovic and written and directed by Anna Rodgers for Invisible Thread.
Collision
Finally, Collision will air on Thursday, 18 December on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Two schoolmates go on the run after causing a deadly car crash. As justice edges closer, the boys confront their feelings. The project was filmed on location in Westport, Co. Mayo. Starring Cúán Hosty Blaney and Cameron Brady. Written and directed by Michael Carolan and produced by Emer Durcan and cinematographer Brian Durcan for Western Front Studios.
David Crean, Head of Drama, RTÉ said: "It's always so exciting to introduce a new series of Storyland dramas to audiences on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. The joy of Storyland is being able to champion fresh Irish storytelling and bring new voices with original stories to television.
"This year, with four brand-new dramas, including our first-ever Irish language Storyland, we’re thrilled to showcase emerging talent that reflects a modern, diverse Ireland. We’re delighted to continue our work with our partners in Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
"Together, we are ensuring a strong pipeline for talent and new entrants into the drama sector, strengthening a creative industry that continues to punch far above its weight at home and on the international stage."
Kate McColgan Head of Television Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland said: "Once again, we are amazed with the quality of the work produced for the Storyland initiative. These four films represent the best of new film making in Ireland today and we are incredibly proud of the talent both in front and behind the camera.
"As always Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is delighted to once again work closely with our colleagues in RTÉ on this wonderful opportunity to support some of Ireland's new film makers."
