Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Flatley proves he’s still got the movies
Lord of the Dance legend directs and stars in wartime love story
MICHAEL Flatley is set for a new career on the big screen after writing, directing and starring in his debut film – a story set in World War II. The multi-millionaire performer is once again flexing his creative muscle and has turned to movies after hanging up his dancing shoes last year. While no stranger to lights, camera, action, the Irish-american star is now focusing his considerable talents on all aspects of film-making, from the director’s chair to leading man. The 58-year-old has teamed up with top British production house Jack In The Box Films to make the short film Til Forever. The WWII love story sees the superhoofer take on the role of an Allied soldier and was shot in a number of locations including combat scenes in the forests of Llangollen, Wales. They show a brooding Flatley engaging with the enemy in full army fatigues and camouflage face paint. Other scenes depict the leading man in dress uniform embracing his on-screen love, played by beautiful Spanish/german actress Simone Schmidt Labarga. The film was shot last year and went into post production earlier this year. It had its first screening two weeks ago at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and is due for release later this year. Commenting after their Bafta outing with Flatley, Jack In The Box Films told how much they enjoyed working with the Lord of the Dance and described him as “incredibly talented”. A social media post added: “The team had a great turnout at Bafta for the screening of two short films with Michael Flatley – one of which was produced by Jack In The Box Films. “Well done to everyone involved. Watch this space.” The Chicago-born dad of one, who is currently based in London, retired from dancing last year after revealing the painful toll his demanding, threedecade career had taken on his body. He told the BBC in 2015: “My spinal column is in bad shape; I’ve got a torn right calf muscle. “I’ve got two ruptured Achilles tendons and I’ve got a fractured rib and a broken bone in my foot.” Between the jigs and the film reels, Flatley has also carved out another creative niche in the form of abstract painting where he dances on a paint-splattered canvas with his famous feet. Meanwhile, as his global army of fans eagerly await his debut war movie, it is understood the Feet of Flames star also has a second film in the offing, details of which have yet to be revealed.
Team had a great turnout at Bafta for screening of two films with Michael Flatley JACK IN THE BOX ON STAR’S UPCOMING WAR MOVIE