TARRAC opens in Irish cinemas on October 6 2023

TARRAC which is an Irish Language was produced by Icebox Films with funding from TG4, FÍS ÉIREANN/SCREEN IRELAND, and COIMISIÚN NA MEÁN opens (October 6th ) in cinemas throughout Ireland.

PARKLAND ENTERTAINMENT & ECLIPSE PICTURES present TARRAC

Directed by Declan Recks
Written by Eugene O’Brien

Produced by Clíona Ní Bhuachalla

Starring Kelly Gough, Lorcan Cranitch, Kate Nic Chonaonaigh, Kate Finegan, Rachel Feeney, Cillian Ó Gairbhí
 
Filmed on the breathtaking landscapes of Corca Dhuibhne, Dingle Peninsula, in County Kerry, this award-winning Irish-language film, TARRAC, stars Kelly Gough (Kill Command, Out of Innocence) Lorcan Cranitch (Lakelands, Aisha, Róise & Frank) Kate Nic Chonaonaigh (An Cailín Ciúin, Song of Granite, Shadow Dancer), Kate Finegan (Joyride, Rós na Rún), Rachel Feeney (Belfast, Death on the Nile) and Cillian Ó Gairbhí (Róise & Frank, Foscadh)
 

Producer Clíona Ní Bhuachalla (Seamus Heaney – Out of the Marvellous, The Clinic), writer Eugene O Brien (Eden, Pure Mule) and director Declan Reeks (Pure Mule, The Running Mate, Scúp) began discussions about making a feature film as gaeilge.
 

Eugene states “TARRAC has really been a labour of love for myself, Declan and Clíona and Kerry was absolutely vital to the film. This world-renowned landscape battered by the Atlantic ocean is the home to the unique boat – the Naomhóg. The location has such great identity from the language to the landscape to the characters and indeed the boat itself.”
 

Short Synopsis

Aoife Ni Bhraoin (Kelly Gough) returns home to help her father Brendan ‘The Bear’ O’Briain (Lorcan Cranitch) in his recovery from a heart attack. During this time, Aoife faces the grief of her mother’s death that she hasn’t dealt with until now. A lot has been left unsaid between her and her father. Aoife reacquaints with a group of rowers and this all-female team, who against the odds, take on a high stakes Naomhóg rowing competition.
 

TARRAC is a drama set at the edge of the world, the coastlines and sea of the Dingle peninsula. A place of wild geography, where the weather and the people have a mind of their own. TARRAC has warmth and a sense of place. An intimate character study of a woman who through a sporting passion finally manages acceptance and love. Laced with humour, heart break and exciting action set against the stunning landscapes and seas of the Kerry Gaeltacht, TARRAC is about daring to care again and learning the power of forgiveness.
 

TARRAC opens in Irish cinemas on October 6 2023
 

TARRAC was produced by Icebox Films. The Irish language film was funded by TG4, Screen Ireland, and the BAI (Coimisiún na Meán) as part of the Cine4 scheme to produce feature length original films in Irish.
 
Running Time: 94 minutes / IFCO Cert: 15a / BBFC Cert: 15

Róise & Frank, Irish Language Film - Opens in US Cinemas

The award-winning Cine4 film Róise & Frank will be released in the USA today (Friday March 31st 2023). The film is in Irish with English subtitles.
 
Set and filmed in the Waterford Gaeltacht of Ring, Róise & Frank tells the story of the recently widowed Róise (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who is struggling in the aftermath of her husband Frank’s passing. Grief-stricken and lonely, Róise has distanced herself from the world and those dearest to her. But when a stray dog appears out of nowhere, following her every move, a rejuvenated Róise comes to believe in the reincarnation of her husband and the power of enduring life in its next, hopeful steps. Róise & Frank is an up-lifting tale of shaggy dogs, a grieving widow, the national game of hurling and finding hope in the darkest of places and is winning audience’s hearts everywhere it goes. The film also stars Limerick’s Cillian Ó Gairbhí as Alan, Róise’s son, Lorcan Cranitch and young newcomer from An Rinn, Ruadhán de Faoite.
 
Róise & Frank is written and directed by Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy ( Traders, 2015) and produced by Cúán Mac Conghail of Macalla Teoranta (Arracht).
 
The film was funded by TG4, Screen Ireland, and the BAI (Coimisiún na Meán) as part of the Cine4 scheme to produce feature length original films in Irish.
 
Róise & Frank has been a hit on the festival circuit in recent months screening at the Galway Film Fleadh and winning numerous awards including Best Ensemble at Dublin International Film Festival and scooping the Audience Award at both the Santa Barbara and Sonoma International Film Festivals.
 
Juno Films has acquired North American distribution rights to Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy’s heartfelt film.
 
Here is a list of cinemas in the US where Róise & Frank will be shown in the coming months: roiseandfrankmovie.com
 
Quad Cinema in NYC will be hosting Q&As with the film’s writers/directors Rachael Moriarty & Peter Murphy this weekend: https://quadcinema.com/film/roise-frank/
 
Irish Language film continues to break new ground internationally. Earlier in March 2023, An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) competed in the Best International Feature Flim category at the Oscars. This multi award winning Irish language film has been in selected US theatres since February 2023.

Irish language film 'An Cailín Ciúin' nominated for an Oscar

Ireland’s An Cailín Ciúin has been nominated for The 95th Academy Awards in the ‘International Feature Film’ category of the Oscars. The film makes history as the first Irish-language feature film to be nominated in this category. Five films from around in the world are now nominated in the ‘International Feature Film’ category. The 95th Oscar awards take place on March 12th 2023.

The other four films nominated are: All Quiet on The Western Front (Germany), Argentina, 1985 (Argentina), Close (Belgium) and EO (Poland).

Based on Claire Keegan’s novella Foster, An Cailín Ciúin is an intricate, deeply felt coming-of-age drama that delves into the meaning of family through the eyes of a neglected young girl. Set in rural Ireland in 1981, the film follows Cáit (Catherine Clinch) as she is sent from her overcrowded, dysfunctional household to live with distant relatives for the summer. She is welcomed with open arms by Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), but her husband (Andrew Bennett) keeps Cáit at arm’s length. Slowly, however, a warmth grows within this makeshift family and Cáit begins to blossom in their care. But in this house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth. An Cailín Ciúin was directed by Colm Bairéad and produced by Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal. The film was funded through the Cine4 scheme from TG4, Screen Ireland, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. The film is also in receipt of the Irish Government’s Section 481 tax incentive.

The film has grossed over €1million at the box-office in Ireland and the UK becoming the most successful Irish-language film ever. It has been a huge hit at film festivals around the world and has been critically acclaimed internationally. An Cailín Ciúin has been awarded a plethora of awards since its premiere at Berlinale last February including the first domestic film named as best film of the year by Dublin Film Critic’s Circle, Best Cinematography at 2022 European Film Awards for Kate McCullough, seven IFTAs and numerous other awards from Sydney to Colorado. An Cailín Ciúin has also recently received nominations for the British Academy Film Awards – the BAFTAs for Best Film Not in the English Language and Best Adapted Screenplay for its writer-director, Colm Bairéad.

Speaking on the film’s Oscar nomination, Writer/Director, Colm Bairéad and Producer, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi from Inscéal, the production company behind the film, said “We are honoured beyond words that An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl has been nominated for the 95th Academy Awards. This is a truly historic and meaningful moment for Irish film, the Irish people and the Irish language. Never before has an Irish film been nominated in this category. Never before has Irish-language art been given such a platform. This film has been an extraordinary labour of love and it has been a joy to see audiences the world over take it into their hearts. Our sincere thanks to the members of the Academy for embracing An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl and giving her a voice. Our huge thanks also to the funders of this film; TG4, Screen Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, to the Irish Film and Television Academy, Bankside Films and to all of our wonderful distributors around the world.”

Alan Esslemont TG4 Director General said, “An Cailín Ciúin has touched the hearts of cinema-goers throughout the world, breaking record after record. Colm Bairéad and Cleona Ní Chrualaoí have created a classic masterpiece and have become a huge source of pride for those of us who speak this minority language and for all those people worldwide who understand the importance of a thriving Irish language for Ireland’s culture and creativity. I congratulate everyone involved this success – cast and crew, my own colleagues at TG4 and our partners at Screen Ireland and the BAI. Our ‘Cine4’ scheme was about creating a new world of movies for the Irish language community but has in actual fact been central to a new wave of cinema for all of Ireland. The road towards the Oscars has been opened by Colm and Cleona and today we celebrate the global resonance of that huge achievement.”

An Cailín Ciúin Hits €1 Million at Ireland and UK Box-Office

An Cailín Ciúin has grossed over €1million at the box-office, a remarkable feat for an Irish Language film after 22 weeks in cinemas in Ireland and the UK. Since it’s release last May, the film has been a major hit at international film festivals, won a slew of awards and become a critic’s darling garnering 5-star reviews across the board. AN CAILÍN CIÚIN is also Ireland’s entry for the Oscars® Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 95th annual Academy Awards.
 
Based on Irish author, Claire Keegan’s acclaimed story, Foster, AN CAILÍN CIÚIN is an intricate, deeply felt coming-of-age drama that delves into the meaning of family through the eyes of a neglected young girl. Set in rural Ireland in 1981, the film follows Cáit (Catherine Clinch) as she is sent from her overcrowded, dysfunctional household to live with distant relatives for the summer. She is welcomed with open arms by Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), but her husband (Andrew Bennett) keeps Cáit at arm’s length. Slowly, however, a warmth grows within this makeshift family and Cáit begins to blossom in their care. But in this house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth. An Cailín Ciúin was produced by Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal, the production company she established with Colm Bairéad in 2012. It was made as part of the Cine4 funding scheme for Irish-language films in partnership with Screen Ireland, TG4, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). The film is also in receipt of the Irish Government’s Section 481 tax incentive.
 
Writer/Director, Colm Bairéad and Producer, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal said “We are truly humbled by the manner in which audiences in Ireland and the UK have embraced our film. To every single person who bought a ticket for An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) and who championed the film since its release in May, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Huge thanks and congratulations to our fantastic Irish and UK distributors, Break Out Pictures and Curzon, who continue to work incredibly hard on the release. We are enormously grateful to all the cinemas who have allowed the film the time and space to grow and to Access Cinema for its extraordinary work in making the film available to local audiences. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude also to Claire Keegan for allowing us to adapt her work to the screen. The film’s success is testament to the truly universal work she created in “Foster”. And last, but not least, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to TG4, Screen Ireland and the BAI, as funders of the Cine4 scheme, for believing in us as filmmakers and supporting us during this extraordinary journey. It has been a life-changing experience.”
 
Alan Esslemont, Director General of TG4 said: “TG4 congratulates everyone at Inscéal and all their creative and distribution partners on this superb milestone for ‘An Cailín Ciúin’ at the Irish and UK box-office. Most of all we thank Cleona and Colm for creating this beautiful film about speech, silence and love which is already being seen worldwide as one of the classics of Irish cinema. It is also a wonderful affirmation of the quality of creative talent working through the medium of the Irish language and a strong endorsement of the TG4, Screen Ireland and BAI partnership which launched the Cine4 scheme and regularly brings cinema-goers into a new world – the world of Irish language cinema.”
 
Commenting on this remarkable achievement, Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive Fís Eireann Screen Ireland said “All of us at Screen Ireland are deeply proud to have supported An Cailín Ciúin. Seeing the impact the film has had on audiences from every generation has been truly moving, and we believe a watershed moment for Irish-language cinema, which has been redefined by the incredible output from the Cine4 scheme in recent years. In the middle of an intensely difficult time for cinemas and the cinema-going experience, an Irish-language film broke domestic box office records and told a beautiful story about childhood, connection and the power of care. Our congratulations to director Colm Bairéad, producer Cleona Ní Chrualaoi, actress Catherine Clinch and the entire team behind bringing An Cailín Ciúin to life.”
 
It’s a historical first for an Irish language film to reach such incredible heights and speaking on its continued success Nell Roddy and Robert McCann Finn, joint MD’s of Break Out Pictures commented: “It’s a fantastic result and we’re thrilled that audiences in Ireland and the UK have embraced the film as much as we did. It’s a phenomenal achievement for any film to cross the €1 million mark, but especially now given the increasingly difficult market. Many thanks to everyone for coming out to see this special film and to all the cinemas for their unwavering support. Huge congratulations to Colm, Cleona and all the ‘An Cailín Ciúin team for reaching this significant milestone.”
 
Louisa Dent, MD of Curzon added: “Passing €1,000,000 at the Irish and UK box office is a remarkable achievement. It has been wonderful to see An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) connecting with audiences in such a deeply emotional way. Huge congratulations again to Colm Bairéad and the whole filmmaking team.”
 
An Cailín Ciúin is still on release in select cinemas nationwide.

An Cailín Ciúin selected by IFTA as Ireland’s Entry for the 95th Oscars

TG4 is delighted that IFTA has selected Irish language film An Cailín Ciúin as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars in the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category. This is the third year in a row that IFTA has selected a film from the CINE4 scheme from TG4, Screen Ireland and the BAI as Ireland’s nomination.
 
An Cailín Ciúin is the first feature film from the writer and director, Colm Bairéad and producer, Cleona Ní Crualaoi of Inscéal based on the book ‘Foster’ by Claire Keegan.
 
The film had its premiere at the Berlinale International Film Festival in February and was awarded the Grand Prix Award for Best Film from the Generation Kplus International Jury. The film opened Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival earlier this year, the first time ever an Irish language film opened the festival and was awarded Best Irish Film and Audience Award at the festival. It was awarded a total of eight IFTAs in March including ‘Best Film’, ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Actress’. The film is in cinemas in Ireland and Britain since it was released in May by Breakout Pictures and Curzon grossing over €800,000 at the box office to date. It is currently in cinemas in New Zealand and will be released in Australia in September.
 
An Cailín Ciúin has had recent screenings at international film festivals such as Sydney Film Festival, and Taipei Film Festival where it was awarded the Audience Choice Award and has been selected for the International Hong Kong Film Festival. Bankside Films have recently acquired the film for world sales.
 
Critics and the audience are unanimous about the film consistently giving it five stars.
 
An Cailín Ciúin tells the story of Kate (Catherine Clinch) – a nine-year-old girl from an overcrowded, dysfunctional family who is sent away to live with foster parents for the summer. Despite a warm welcome from the woman, Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), the man of the house, Seán (Andrew Bennett), stayed away from Cáit, and she from him, but over time a friendship began to strengthen between them. Slowly, under the care of the Kinsellas, Cáit blossoms and finds a new way of life. But in this house where there should be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth.
 
Mary Ellen Ní Chualáin, Commissioning Manager TG4 said, “Congratulations to Inscéal, Colm and Cleona, the cast and crew involved in making An Cailín Ciún on being selected as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars by IFTA. I would also like to congratulate Máire Ní Chonláin, Commissioning Editor TG4, and our colleagues in Fís Éireann and the BAI. An Cailín Ciúin has had an impact on everyone who has seen it to date, both here at home and with audiences around the world in Britain, Europe, New Zealand, Taiwan and Australia. The Cine4 scheme is succeeding in developing Irish language cinema and all of us in TG4 are extremely proud of that.”
 
Máire Ní Chonláin, Executive Producer TG4 said, “It is because of the vision and talent of Colm and Cleona that An Cailín Ciún was chosen as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars. They have created a classic film with the best actors and crew involved. I congratulate them wholeheartedly on this nomination.”
 
Writer/Director, Colm Bairéad and Producer, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal said “We are honoured beyond words that An Cailín Ciúin has been selected as Ireland’s entry for the 95th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Our heartfelt thanks to IFTA and its selection committee. We have always believed in the idea that an Irish-language film could stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of world cinema and we feel so proud to be representing our country and our language in this way. It has been an extraordinary privilege adapting Claire Keegan’s “Foster” to the big screen and we can’t wait to introduce our film to more and more members of the Academy as An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl continues its roll-out on the international stage. None of this would have been possible without the vision of TG4, Screen Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, who co-funded the Cine4 feature film initiative, which has created a new wave of Irish-language cinema that is being recognised around the world.”

An Cailín Ciúin wins eight IFTA Film and Drama Awards

Irish language film An Cailín Ciúin won eight IFTA Film and Drama awards, that were broadcast tonight on Virgin Media One. An Cailín Ciúin is a CINE4 film, a scheme from TG4, Screen Ireland and BAI to produce high-quality films in Irish.  

The film won BEST FILM in the same category as Kenneth Brannagh's Belfast, Deadly Cuts, Swan Song, Who We Love and You are Not My Mother. Newcomer Catherine Clinch who plays Cáit in the film won the IFTA for LEAD ACTRESS FILM. Colm Bairéad was awarded best DIRECTOR FILM and was also awarded Screen Ireland RISING STAR award.  Kate McCullough won the IFTA for CINEMATOGRAPHY, John Murphy for BEST EDITING and Emma Lowney for BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN. The film also won the IFTA for ORIGINAL MUSIC for Stephen Rennicks. 

The film has received widespread acclaim from critics at home and abroad since its premiere at Berlinale last month. An Cailín Ciúin opened the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival was awarded BEST IRISH FILM last weekend by Dublin Film Critics Circle (DFCC) on the closing night of the festival and also received the Audience Award last Wednesday. It was was awarded the Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for Best Film and received a special mention from the children's jury after its world premiere at Berlinale. Last weekend, it had its UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival. 

An Cailín Ciúin tells the story of Cáit played by newcomer Catherine Clinch, - a nine year-old girl from an overcrowded, dysfunctional family who is sent away to live with foster parents for the summer. Despite a warm reception from the woman, Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), the man of the house, Seán (Andrew Bennett), keeps his distance from Cáit and she from him, but over time, their strained relationship begins to deepen. Slowly, in the care of the Kinsellas, Cáit blossoms and discovers a new way of living. But in this house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth. 

Based on Foster by Claire Keegan, An Cailín Ciúin is a complex and delicate coming-of-age drama that explores questions of family, neglect and loss through the eyes of its young protagonist. 
An Cailín Ciúin is the feature film debut of writer/director, Colm Bairéad and producer, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal.  

Cleona Ní Chrualaoi, Producer, An Cailín Ciúin said, "We are absolutely thrilled with the eight IFTA awards that the An Cailín Ciúin team has received, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Lead Actress. It is beyond our wildest dreams! We're so happy for our lead actor, Catherine Clinch and our amazing crew who took home awards in the following categories; Cinematography, Editing, Production Design and Original Music. We are particularly proud that this is the first time an Irish-language film has won in the Best Film category. For our writer/director, Colm Bairéad to win both Best Director and the IFTA - Screen Ireland Rising Star Award is a phenomenal achievement. Together, we have all made history with this film! Thank you so much to the Irish Film and Television Academy for these huge honours."

Máire Ní Chonláin, Commissioning Editor of An Cailín Ciúin in TG4 said "TG4 is delighted with the success of An Cailín Ciúin to date, it is a special film, and we are very proud to have supported it in partnership with Screen Ireland and the BAI under the Cine4 scheme. Thanks to IFTA who recognised the high standard of talent in this magical film. These awards are well deserved by Inscéal, the cast and all the team who made the film."

Wins for TG4's Cine4 Films An Cailín Ciúin and Róise & Frank at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival

Two films from the TG4, Screen Ireland and BAI scheme CINE4 have been awarded today by Dublin Film Critics Circle (DFCC) Awards at the closing night of Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. An Cailín Ciúin has been awarded BEST IRISH FILM, and Róise & Frank has been awarded BEST ENSEMBLE. 

An Cailín Ciúin tells the story of Cáit played by newcomer Catherine Clinch, - a nine year-old girl from an overcrowded, dysfunctional family who is sent away to live with foster parents for the summer. Despite a warm reception from the woman, Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), the man of the house, Seán (Andrew Bennett), keeps his distance from Cáit and she from him, but over time, their strained relationship begins to deepen. Slowly, in the care of the Kinsellas, Cáit blossoms and discovers a new way of living. But in this house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth. 

Based on Foster by Claire Keegan, An Cailín Ciúin is a complex and delicate coming-of-age drama that explores questions of family, neglect and loss through the eyes of its young protagonist. 

The film debuted at the Berlinale Film Festival last month. It was the first Irish Language feature film to feature at Berlinale, and was awarded the Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for Best Film and received a special mention from the children's jury after its world premiere at the festival.  The film opened the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival and was also shown at the Glasgow Film Festival this weekend.  The film has received widespread acclaim from critics.  

An Cailín Ciúin is the feature film debut of writer/director, Colm Bairéad and producer, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal.  Colm Bairéad was awarded the Aer Lingus Discovery Award at DIFF earlier this week. 

Róise & Frank was awarded the BEST ENSEMBLE.   The charming film portrays Róise (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who lost the love of her life husband Frank two years previously.  She is now isolated in grief and cut off from family and community. A mysterious dog arrives who seems intent on connecting with her. The dog loves sport and steaks, has a favourite armchair in her house, and an aversion to her neighbour Donncha.  Róise realises that the dog is her beloved husband Frank reincarnated. Her son (Cillian Ó Gairbhí) meanwhile thinks she has lost her mind but the local community embrace the idea of Frank's return.Róise is happy once more but is there a real future for her with a dog-husband?

Róise & Frank was directed by Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy and produced by Cúán Mac Conghail of Macalla Teo.  Macalla also produced the award-winning and acclaimed Irish language feature film Arracht. 

Cleona Ní Chrualaoi, Producer, An Cailín Ciúin said, "It is a huge honour to receive the award for Best Irish Film. We're very humbled to have been chosen from a host of fantastic Irish films. This award is a ringing endorsement of the Cine4 scheme, under which An Cailín Ciúin was made, and of the vision of TG4, Screen Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to develop and fund feature films in the Irish language. Go raibh míle maith agaibh to these funders, to our extraordinary cast and crew, to the Dublin Film Critics Circle and to Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival for believing in our film and bringing it to an Irish audience for the first time."

Rachael Moriarty, Director, Róise & Frank said, "I am delighted that Róise & Frank was well received at DIFF! It was brought to the big screen by a team of excellent actors who undoubtedly deserved recognition and we are delighted to receive the Best Ensemble Award. Róise & Frank is a fascinating and humourous story. The film is currently being screened at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, in California and the audience here is really enjoying it too. For many here this is the first time they have heard Irish and seen hurling!"

Alan Esslemont, Director General of TG4 congratulated the production teams of both films saying, "TG4 congratulates Inscéal and Macalla for the awards for An Cailín Ciúin and Róise & Frank at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. Bringing Irish language content to all platforms and screens is central to TG4’s strategy for our audiences. The success of the CINE4 scheme so far has seen world-class Irish language films in cinemas and at film festivals around the world.  These awards at DIFF give recognition to the quality of acting and showcase the talent and skills of the Irish production teams in a global audio-visual market."

An Cailín Ciúin and Róise & Frank will be released in cinemas later this year. 

‘Arracht’ selected as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category

TG4 are elated by today’s announcement by IFTA that Arracht, an Irish-language feature film from the Cine4 initiative has been selected as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 93rd annual Academy Awards.
 
Cine4 is a partnership between TG4, Screen Ireland, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to develop original feature films in the Irish language.
 
Arracht was written and directed by Tom Sullivan and starring Screen International Star of Tomorrow 2020 Dónall Ó Héalaí alongside Dara Devaney, Michael McElhatton, and newcomer Saise Ní Chúinn. Arracht was produced by Cúán Mac Conghail for Macalla Teoranta with executive producers Brendan McCarthy and John McDonnell of Fantastic Films. Arracht premiered to critical acclaim at the prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Festival in 2019.
 
Set in Ireland in 1845, Arracht centres on Colmán Sharkey, a fisherman, a father, a husband, who takes in a stranger at the behest of a local priest. Patsy, a former soldier arrives just ahead of ‘the blight,’ a crop disease that caused the Great Plague, killing and displacing millions of Irish people. As the crops rot in the fields, Colmán, his brother and Patsy travel to the English Landlord’s house to request a stay on rent increases that Colmán predicts will destroy his community. His request falls on deaf ears and Patsy’s subsequent actions set Colmán on a path that will take him to the edge of survival, and sanity. It is only upon encountering an abandoned young girl that Colmán’s resolve is lifted. Just in time for the darkness of his past to pay another visit.
 
Alan Esslemont, Director General of TG4 welcomed today’s announcement saying “Too often, great creative talent in Irish is invisible in Ireland, solely because they create, act or broadcast in the country’s minority language. Thus when TG4, Screen Ireland and the BAI launched the Cine4 scheme, we said that we chose to go, not to the moon, but to the Oscars. The vision was to seek international validation for cultural and creative works in the Irish language. We want to see Irish language cinema develop, be recognised nationally and grow a global footprint of appreciation. I applaud Macalla and all those involved in ‘Arracht’ for their talent, drive and belief in this compelling film which has already won major national and international awards and is now recognised and rewarded by the Irish Film and Television Academy.”
 

Tom Sullivan, writer/director of Arracht said: “I am overjoyed with the news that Arracht has been chosen by the IFTA selection committee to represent Ireland in the Oscar’s Best International Film category. This is recognition of the team’s work and dedication and to be considered on this level is a huge honour and beyond exciting. It’s been a funny old year to be in the film business but the support Arracht has received from everyone has really kept us going. Thank you to our funders Screen Ireland, BAI, and TG4 and thank you IFTA for all your support.”
 

Arracht was selected by IFTA’s special Selection Committee, which this year included Director Lenny Abrahamson (Normal People, Room, Frank), Actor Ciarán Hinds, (Munich, The Woman in Black, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Composer, and the first female conductor at the Oscars, Eímear Noone, Producer Macdara Kelleher (Foundation, The Green Knight, Black ’47), actress Fionnula Flanagan (The Guard, The Others) and David Flynn (Exec VP of International Strategy at Paramount TV). The Committee was chaired by Academy CEO Áine Moriarty.
 

Arracht won two IFTA Awards at this year’s Awards Ceremony along with 9 other IFTA Nominations. Since its premiere in Tallinn, Arracht has won accolades at other festivals including the Dublin International Film Festival, The Galway Film Fleadh, and the Glasgow Film Festival.
 

The Best International Film contenders will next be shortlisted to 10 international finalists which will then be ultimately shortlisted to the final 5 Oscar Nominees in that category in advance of the Oscar ceremony which was originally scheduled for 28th February, but has been shifted out to April 2021, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
 

The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony (the Oscars) will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on Sunday 25th April 2021 and will honour the best films of 2020.
 
Break Out Pictures will be releasing ARRACHT in cinemas, Spring 2021.

Arracht scoops two awards at Glasgow Film Festival and Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival

Arracht, an Irish language feature film created as part of the CINE4 initiative from TG4, Screen Ireland, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). Cine4 is a new inititative to develop original feature films in the Irish language. Arracht had its world premiere at the 23rd PÖFF Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, in Estonia in November, its Irish premiere at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival in February and its UK premiere at Glasgow Film Festival, last week. The film has played to critical acclaim to date and will be will be released in Irish cinemas on April 3rd.

Arracht is a feature film by Tom Sullivan, Produced by Cúán Mac Conghail for Macalla Teo, and staring Dónal Ó hÉalaí.

Arracht is set in Ireland in 1845, and centres on Colmán Sharkey, a fisherman, a father, a husband, who takes in a stranger at the behest of a local priest. Patsy, a former soldier arrives just ahead of ‘the blight,’ a crop disease that caused the Great Plague, killing and displacing millions of Irish people.

Alan Esslemont, Director General at TG4 says “TG4 congratulates Arracht on this audience recognition for the film’s UK Premier. Bringing Irish language content to all screens has been at the heart of TG4’s vision for audiences, and the Cine4 funding brings world class Irish language film to Cinemas. Arracht has been gaining critical acclaim since it premiered at the Tallinn Film Festival in November and the Audience Award at its UK Premier screening recognises and showcase the talent and skills of the production team in a global audio-visual market. “

Arracht was also awarded Best Irish Film at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, and lead actor Dónal Ó Héalaí was awarded Best Actor in the Aer Lingus Discovery Award also at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival.

Cine4’s Finky to Premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh

The first feature film from the Cine4 initiative; a scheme created by TG4, Screen Ireland, and BAI to fund Irish language film-making, Finky, has been selected for the 2019 Galway Film Fleadh. The film has been hailed as a boldly original, stylish drama and it receives its World Premiere this evening in the Town Hall Theatre at the Galway Film Fleadh at 6pm.

In conjunction with this premier Cine4 (Round 4) was also announced. As with previous rounds there are certain criteria. The main criterion for round 4 is that the director must be female. This scheme is aimed at feature-length drama films (90 to 120 minutes). All information on the scheme is available on www.Cine4.ie

Announcing the new round TG4’s Ard-Stiúrthóir, Alan Esslemont says, “Since TG4 launched, drama in Irish has been at the heart of our vision for audiences and our drama producers have consistently won international and national awards. The continued growth of this important partnership scheme brings Irish language film-making to a new level which is evident with the premier of the scheme’s first film, Finky at Galway Film Fleadh, that TG4’s content is being brought into another home – the cinema.  For independent Irish producers it offers an opportunity to showcase their talent and skills at the highest level and we hope that the scheme will also open doors for them in the increasingly global audio-visual market for drama content.” 

Michael O’ Keeffe, Chief Executive, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, added, “The BAI is very pleased to continue its partnership with TG4 and Screen Ireland in supporting the Cine4 initiative. The scheme supports the development of high-quality Irish broadcast content and further strengthens the BAI’s commitment to foster, promote and increase the availability of quality Irish language programming to audiences. 

Finky has been described as a celebration of life, love, and death, and the transformative power of art. Co-written by Keane and Diarmuid de Faoite, the film tells the story of Micí Finky, a musician and puppeteer seeking to escape his past, who heads to Scotland with his childhood friend TomTom to start a new life. On their first night in Glasgow, Finky has an accident and is left paralysed from the waist down. He hits rock bottom, but is given a chance at redemption when he is recruited by Carnival Chaotica, an avant-garde circus troupe. As his journey becomes increasingly hellish and surreal, Finky realises that he must confront his tormented past if he is to ever find peace.

Speaking about the selection, Director Dathaí Keane said: I’m delighted to be premiering ‘Finky’ at the Galway Film Fleadh. It’s an honour to be selected as I’m from Galway and grew up going to the Fleadh and it’s a great festival. Finky is a very personal film so I’m looking forward to sharing it with an audience for the first time. Many of our cast and crew also hail from the West so it really is the perfect place to launch the film.


Images from premier available from Seán Ó Mainnín 087-2220241

More Information:
Linda Ní Ghríofa, (087)9172864, linda.ni.ghriofa@tg4.ie

Glaoch ar iarratas.

SCÉIM FORBARTHA DO SCANNÁIN FHADA DRÁMAÍOCHTA I NGAEILGE.

Spriocdháta: 15ú Iúil, 2019

Tá  an scéim seo bunaithe ag TG4, Bord Scannán na hÉireann (BSÉ) agus Údarás Craolacháin na hÉireann (BAI) chun tacaíocht a thabhairt do shaothar nua bhríomhar fadscannán as Gaeilge, léirithe ag comhlachtaí le ard-scileanna cruthaitheacha.

Tá mar aidhm ag Scéim Cine4 scéalaíocht láidir, samhlaíocht fhísiúil agus luachanna arda léirithe a spreagadh.    Caithfear a léiriú san iarratas gur scannán é a bheadh tarraingteach don lucht féachana Gaeilge, lucht féachana Éireannach agus lucht féachana idirnáisiúnta.  Beidh buiséad de suas le €1.2 milliún ag na tionscnaimh a léireofar agus beidh ‘tréimhse phictiúrlanna’ ag na scannáin a léirítear faoin scéim tréimhse ina mbeidh siad páirteach i bhféilte scannán agus ar taispeáint i bpictiúrlanna sula gcraolfar ar TG4 iad.

Tá trí chéim sa scéim (i) iarratas tosaigh (ii) an chéim fhorbartha agus (iii) an chéim léiriúcháin.  Tar éis iarratais a fháil, roghnóidh painéal de mheasúnóirí ó TG4, BSÉ agus BAI chúig thionscnamh (ar a mhéid).  Tabharfar maoiniú do na comhlachtaí a roghnaítear na tionscnaimh a fhorbairt agus buiséad suas le €25,000 (cómhaoinithe ag TG4, BSÉ agus BAI) ar fáil do gach tionscnamh.   Ag deireadh na forbartha, roghnóidh TG4 agus BSÉ suas le dhá cheann de na tionscnaimh agus cuirfear ar aghaidh iad chuig an chéad bhabhta cuí eile den chiste Fís agus Fuaim de chuid an BAI, agus an aidhm iad a léiriú mar scannáin fhada.

Cé atá i dteideal cur isteach ar an scéim?

Tá an scéim oscailte do chomhlachtaí clos-amhairc leis an taithí chuí agus atá in ann a chruthú go  bhfuil cearta soiléire acu ar gach cuid den ábhar atáthar a fhorbairt do léiriú don scáileán mór.

Tabharfar tosaíocht do chomhlachtaí léirithe

  • a bhfuil polasaí soiléir acu an Ghaeilge a fhorbairt mar theanga oibre léiriúcháin,

  • a bhfuil sé mar aidhm thábhachtach acu cothromaíocht inscne a bhaint amach sa    bhfoireann chruthaitheach a roghnaíonn siad agus

  • do chomhlachtaí a bhfuil cultúr iontu i bhfabhar comhléirithe agus idirnáisiúnaithe.

Na critéir cháilitheachta

  • Is scéim é seo do scannáin fhada drámaíochta (90 go 120 nóiméad).  Níl scannáin beochana inghlactha.

  • Stiúrthóir baineann.

  • Ní ceadmhach don léiritheoir a bheith freisin mar stiúrthóir ar an tionscnamh.

  • Níl aon srian ar ghenre, ar stíl scéalaíochta, ar ábhar nó ar eilimintí eile sa script/scéal ach caithfidh na tionscnaimh teacht le téamaí na scéime Fuaim agus Fís de chuid an BAI chun maoiniú léiriúcháin a thuilleamh.

  • Ní ghlacfar le tionscnaimh a fuair maoiniú forbartha roimhe seo ó TG4, BSÉ nó ó aon áisíneacht eile.

  • Níl Scéim Cine4 oscailte do mhic léinn lánaimseartha nó páirtaimseartha.

  • Níor cheart do na buiséid léiriúcháin do gach tionscnamh dul thar €1,200,000 agus tiocfaidh an maoiniú ó TG4, BSÉ, BAI (má éiríonn leis na h-iarratais tacaíocht a fháil ón scéim Fuaim agus Físe) agus ó scéim Alt 481.  Níor cheart aon mhaoiniú breise tríú páirtí a lorg.

Cén chaoi le hiarratas a dhéanamh

  • An sprioc-am le haghaidh iarratais ná Dé Luain 15ú Iúil, 2019 ag 3pm. Ní ghlacfar le hiarratais atá mall nó easnamhach agus caithfidh na comhlachtaí iad féin déanamh cinnte gur seachadadh na hiarratais.

  • Caithfear na hiarratais a chur isteach go leictreonach, i nGaeilge via córas leictreonach coimisiúnaithe TG4. Mura bhfuil an comhlacht cláraithe, caithfear clárú ar dtús ar an suíomh eCoimisiúin http://update.tg4.ie/ecomm/login.php , agus an t-iarratas a uaslódáil roimh an sprioc-am tríd an rogha, ‘Cine4 – Forbairt 2019’, ón roghchlár anuas.  Tiocfaidh admháil chugat go leictreonach go huathoibríoch.

  • Má tá aon cheist maidir leis an bpróiseas leictreonach seachadta, cuir r-phost chuig Anna Marie Nic Dhonnacha - annamarie.nic.dhonnacha@tg4.ie annamarie.nic.dhonnacha@tg4.ie

Riachtanais an Iarratais

  • Ceannlíne (suas le 25 focal) agus Achoimre Ghairid (suas le leath-leathanach A4)

  • Achoimre/Imlíne (uasmhéid 6-10 leathanach)

  • Nótaí an Stiúrthóra faoin tionscnamh (uasmhéid leathanach amháin)

  • Nótaí cruthaitheacha an Léiritheora faoin tionscnamh (uasmhéid 1 leathanach)

  • Sonraí maidir leis an gcroí-fhoireann chruthaitheach - léiritheoir, scríbhneoir, stiúrthóir (uasmhéid 1 leathanach, uile le cheile)

  • Buiséad don fhorbairt (uasmhéid1 leathanach)

  • Fianaise go bhfuil úinéireacht ar chearta.

Ba cheart na míreanna seo uile a chur le chéile mar cháipéis shoiléir pdf amháin agus é a uaslódáil chuig córas coimisiúnaithe TG4 mar atá mínithe thuas.

Tuilleadh eolais

Beidh feidhmeannaigh de chuid TG4 ar fáil roimh an spriocdháta do chruinnithe gairide. Le cruinniú a shocrú, nó má ta aon cheisteanna agat maidir le haon chuid den scéim seo, cuir r-phost chuig Mary Ellen Ní Chualáin maryellen.ni.chualain@tg4.

 

Glacfar le hiarratas ar an mbonn go gcomhlíonfaidh iarrthóir na hoibleagáidí reachtúla iomchuí uile.

Níl dualgas ar TG4 glacadh leis an iarratas is ísle praghas, ná le h-aon iarratas.

Beidh aon chonradh ag brath ar Theastas Glanta Cánach ó na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim.

Acht um Shaoráil Faisnéise: Cuirtear iarrthóirí ar an eolas gur ceadmhach eolas a sholáthraítear a nochtadh don phobal faoin Acht um Shaoráil Faisnéise. Ba chóir d’iarrthóirí aird a tharraingt ar an eolas íogaireacht (más ann) agus a rá cén chúis gur eolas íogaireacht é. Ní féidir glacadh leis nach mbeidh dualgas ar TG4 eolas a eisiúint, fiú más dóigh leis an iarrthóir gur eolas íogaireacht é agus go bhfuil sin curtha in iúl do TG4 aige.

Ní ann d’aon chineál ceangail – conartha nó aon chineál eile – go dtí go mbeidh conradh foirmiúil scríofa forghníofa ag nó thar ceann TG4.

IFTA Members First Look Screening of Ireland's Oscar Foreign Language Entry - 'Song of Granite'

Plus Discussion with Writer / Director
PAT COLLINS

Tuesday 14th November, @ 6.15pm
Light House Cinema, Smithfield, Dublin 7
 

IFTA is delighted to host a special screening of 'Song of Granite', the film officially selected as Ireland’s entry into the Foreign Language category at the 90th annual Academy Awards of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences.  

Directed by Pat Collins (Silence), ‘Song of Granite' was co-written by Pat Collins, Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde and Sharon Whooley, and produced by Alan Maher, Jessie Fisk and Martin Paul-Hus. The film premiered to critical acclaim at the SXSW Film Festival in US earlier this year. 

Filmmaker Pat Collins brings the dramatic life story of legendary seannós singer Joe Heaney to the screen, an audacious exploration of the man and his music. With an approach that marries traditional narrative episodes with documentary footage, the film celebrates the music Joe Heaney created while painting an unflinching portrait of Heaney, the man. Enigmatic and complex, Joe Heaney was one of the greats of traditional Irish singing. Shaped by the myths, fables and songs of his upbringing in the west of Ireland, his emergence as a gifted artist came at a personal cost.  Featuring performances from Lisa O'Neill, Damien Dempsey, Seamus Begley and sean nós singers Micheál O'Confhaola and Pól Ó Ceannabháin, the film is an intense exploration of music and song.

  • Directed by – Pat Collins
  • Screenplay by - Pat Collins, Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde and Sharon Whooley
  • Produced by - Alan Maher, Jessie Fisk and Martin Paul-Hus
  • Director of Photography – Richard Kendrick
  • Film Editor – Tadhg O’ Sullivan
  • Sound - John Brennan

Thanks to Wildcard Distribution.
Song of Granite is a Marcie Films, Amerique Film production with Harvest Films, South Wind Blows, Roads Entertainment.

http://ifta.ie/events/dts/songofgranite.php

Rocky Ros Muc, an award winning feature documentary produced by Below The Radar, will be released in cinemas in America.

The documentary, telling the story of Galway boxer, Sean Mannion, will be shown in cinemas in New York, Los Angeles and Boston.  The film will premiere in both New York and Los Angeles on Friday October 6th and in Boston on Friday October 13th. It will screen at Cinema Village, New York and at Laemmle Music Hall Theatre, Beverly Hills. In Boston the film will screen at the Regal Fenway 13 cinema