The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
KILLARNEY-MADE MOVIE TAKING ON THE WORLD AT FILM FESTIVAL
THE team at Killarney’s OC Productions are all set for Glasgow this coming weekend, where their feature film debut The Gift is in contention for the prestigious ‘Best First Feature’ award at the 2016 World of Film International Festival.
The Gift’s director, Killarney native Damian O’Callaghan, says it’s an honour to be listed alongside films with respected casts and personnel, as well as impressive budgets, and is relishing the chance to promote his home.
“We’re up against stiff competition to say the least, it’s great to even be there really, and it’s also great to be bringing my hometown to a UK audience”, O’Callaghan explains.
“We filmed scenes in places like the Gap of Dunloe, Lady’s View, and even the National Park, which has never featured in a film like ours before, so more people are going to be aware of Killarney’s beauty after this.”
The plot centres on Seán (Alan Devine), who is reeling from the loss of his wife to cancer and the mental anguish it’s caused.
The Gift’s handling of sensitive subject matter has won appreciation from its audiences, and O’Callaghan hopes that the film will contribute to a better understanding of mental illness:
“Mental health issues and suicide have touched a great many people, and I received a lot of goodwill for addressing it. With more awareness comes more understanding, and with more understanding we’ll be better placed to tackle these problems”, O’Callaghan says.
“We researched extensively beforehand, and sought advice from experts in the field so we could deal with these issues as competently as possible. We wanted to bring the viewer into Seán’s mind.”
Its realism is accentuated by a stellar cast that includes Devine, Úna Kavanagh, Dawn Bradfield, and Brendan Grace.
Co-writer Paul FitzSimons says it was special to watch them in action as they brought a long-held idea to life:
“This was Damian’s concept, and it’s one he’s had for a long time. We wanted to do it justice, and while we started out with the intention of making another short film, we realised after a while that it needed to be feature-length, to allow for proper development”, he says.
“But to really nail it, we needed a great cast, and we had that. It was amazing to watch what had been jotted on paper taking on a life of its own thanks to the amazing acting talent at our disposal.”
It’s a second nod from the festival’s organisers for O’Callaghan, after his short film ‘Bouncers’ was rostered last year.
‘Bouncers’ was also set in Killarney, and O’Callaghan explains that his hometown can expect to be at the centre of future projects as well.
“If I can bring a story to Killarney, why wouldn’t I? We always receive great support from local businesses and the local people, and the natural facilities and settings in Killarney are second to none. It’s an outstanding place for filmmaking.”
“We premiered The Gift at the Kerry Film Festival in Killarney last year, and it was great to see my first feature sold out, but all the more special that it happened in my home town.”
The Gift will screen from 6.15pm on Saturday, October 1, at Glasgow’s Britannia Panopticon, and O’Callaghan, Fitzsimons, and some cast members will be at hand for a questions and answers session after the screening.
Tickets are available from www.woffglasgow.com, and the trailer for The Gift can be viewed at www.ocproductions. ie, where further information can also be obtained.
The festival runs from September 29 to October 2.