An independent promo starring Ireland’s “Mammy-in-chief”, Mrs. Agnes Brown, and directed by top Irish director Lenny Abrahamson has come out today in support of marriage equality, urging everyone to play their part and vote in May’s referendum.
Play your part on May 22nd – Vote.
In the video, Mrs. Brown (Brendan O’Carroll) shares her reasons why she will vote YES: “nothing beats the joy and contentment I feel knowing that my son Rory has just as much opportunity for happiness as everybody else’s son. And that’s all I ask for him, the opportunity.” The video also stars her son Rory (Rory Cowan) trying to direct his mammy with little success.
Activist Buzz O’Neill and writer Mark O’Halloran approached a team of top Irish filmmakers and asked them to give them their time and expertise probono to make the promo. In addition to Abrahamson, producers Rob Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan from Treasure Entertainment came onboard to produce the video. Brendan O’Carroll not only starred as Mrs Brown he also wrote the script.
The promo was shot in the SSE Hydro in Glasgow by Irish DOP James Mather, during Mrs. Browns sell-out UK tour where Brendan, Rory and the entire BOC productions team also gave their precious free time gratis to shoot the promo; such is their commitment to equality.
While everyone worked for free on this project, there were certain costs that needed to be paid for. Step up Caroline Downey, Denis Desmond and their team at MCD productions. Downey said “ all our staff and artists are proud to support a yes vote on May 22nd” whatever little part we could play in making this happen, we were more than happy to do so”.
The referendum on marriage equality will take place on May 22nd . A yes vote would mean Ireland would become the first country in the world to vote for marriage equality.
As Mrs. Brown says, there was once a time when Catholics couldn’t marry Protestants, a time when women were not allowed to vote. Will we look back on this moment years from now with jolly disbelief at a time when people of the same sex could not marry? Only time will tell.
Share Mrs. Brown’s video with your parents, grandparents and anyone else you know who loves the mammy-in-chief!