Killorglin native’s delight at response to new horror film
KERRY director Mark Riordan has spoken of his delight at the response that his newest film
‘ Tulaigh Bheag Woods’ received at its première on Culture Night in Killorglin last week.
‘ Tulaigh Bheag Woods’ is a short horror film which was written, directed and produced by the Killorglin native and starred his sister Tracey (19) in the lead role, with Gordon Black (29) doing the cinematography.
The film was shot in six hours with no budget at Muckross House in Killarney and completed in just three weeks. It was then shown to proud family, friends and locals on Culture Night.
“Over 80 people watched it on Culture Night. It was screened before and after the feature film. It was originally only meant to be screened beforehand, but a line of people were waiting around at around 9.20pm wanting to see it, so we screened it again for a new bunch of people,” said Mark, speaking to The Kerryman about the première.
“I was shocked with the interest and reaction.
“It meant so much to me for the local people to come down and see something that I made. I’m really lucky to be from such a supportive town, and I’m proud I was able to launch it in Killorglin,” he continued.
This is Mark’s first film since he completed ‘ The Black’ two years ago – which went on to screen at film festivals worldwide – and now Mark is hoping for similar success again with the release of ‘ Tulaigh Bheag Woods’.
The name of the film is a homage to Tullig Beg, the area of Killorglin where Mark grew up.
This was his sister Tracy’s first lead role as an actress, and Mark was full of praise for her performance.
“Tracey was starring in her first lead role, and you really wouldn’t think it. She has a strong maturity in her acting, and I’m sure she will be involved in some impressive projects in the future,” he said.
In another big boost to the film’s profile, Mark was delighted to reveal that ‘ Tulaigh Bheag Woods’ will be screened at the Kerry Film Festival later this month.