‘ Halal Daddy’ makes its debut at the Edinburgh film festival
A film which was shot in Sligo in the summer of 2016 is set to make its first screening at the Edinburgh Film Festival in advance of its general cinema release on June 30th.
The Deadpan Pictures project joins the lineup of Irish titles screening at the festival which is now in its 71st year. Sligo native Conor McDermottroe co- wrote and directed Halal Daddy with ‘ Viva’ writer Mark O’Halloran.
Conor said: “I am delighted and thrilled to be premiering ‘ Halal Daddy’ at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Edinburgh holds a special place for me. I have fond memories of the festival over the years. Returning there on the 26th of June, to open ‘ Halal Daddy’, is just fantastic.”
The film Festival runs from June 21st- July 2nd. The ‘ Halal Daddy’ cast includes Nikesh Patel ( Indian Summers), Colm Meaney ( Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Art Malik ( True Lies), Sarah Bolger ( In America), Deirdre O’Kane ( Noble), Paul Tylak ( The Secret of Kells) and David Kross ( The Reader).
The film tells the story of Raghdan Aziz ( Patel), a young man of British- Indian Muslim heritage, is happy in his new home on the west coast of Ireland. This beach- fronted retreat is the perfect getaway from his controlling father. Living with his adoring aunt and uncle, Raghdan hangs out with his surf buddies Derek and Neville and has mapped out a future with girlfriend, Maeve Logan.
On Raghdan’s 21st birthday, his father Amir arrives from England with the gift of a rundown meat factory. How will Raghdan cope with this poisoned chalice of a present – a career opportunity that he never wanted?
Ailish McElmeel, Producer, Deadpan Pictures said: “We’re honoured to premiere at the world’s oldest and continually running film festival, the prestigious Edinburgh International Film Festival. Given the warmth and charm of ‘ Halal Daddy’ we feel it will play very well to local Edinburgh Audiences and industry a like.”
Halal Daddy releases to Irish cinemas on June 30th.