Aithrí/Penance
Aithrí/Penance

#IrishFilm: Tom Collins’ Aithrí/Penance to premiere on TG4 on Easter Sunday, April 20th

Tom Collins’ latest Irish language feature film, Aithrí/Penance, will have its television premiere on this Easter Saturday, April 20th, at 8.55pm on TG4.

Peter Coonan plays Father Eoin O’ Donnell, a young firebrand priest, who uses his influence over his parishioners, and in particular a teenage boy called Antaine, to promote violence against the British in the lead-up to the 1916 Rising. O’Donnell and Antaine meet again in Derry in 1969 where both men are forced to re-examine their shared past and the deadly events that have been set in motion as a result.

Aithrí/Penance also features Terry Byrne, Barry McGovern, Gerry McSorley, Diona Doherty, Dara Deveney, and Padraig Parkinson. The film was written by Greg Ó ‘Braonáin and Collins inspired by a short story from Pádraic Ó Conaire, with Collins producing alongside Edwina Forkin (Zanzibar Films).

The screening of the film on TG4 offers the audience a chance to engage with a story about characters in an extraordinary situation, as they deal with the historic roots of today’s partition.
Tom Collins, Director

Great to see Tom Collins’ epic film ‘Aithrí/Penance’ come to life. We are indebted to the people of Donegal and Derry who worked with us to bring this story to screen and provided the amazing back drop to this wonderful script. Thanks to our financiers and wonderful cast  and crew for their commitment and support.
Edwina Forkin, Producer – Zanzibar Films

Shot in Derry and Donegal the film is supported by TG4, BAI, Screen Ireland / Fís Éireann,  the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Northern Ireland Screen and Section 481.

TG4 is delighted to be screening the TV premiere of ‘Aithrí’ this Easter. This was a very ambitious project, with a wonderful cast and crew. Taking inspiration from Ireland’s challenging history and giving stories a contemporary twist has always been part of TG4’s ‘Súil Eile’, or alternative view on Irish life and this gripping film achieves that admirably.
Máire Ní Chonláin, Commissioning Editor – TG4

Following screenings at film festivals in London, Chicago and Galway I am pleased that TG4 viewers will now get the opportunity to enjoy ‘Aithrí’, an ambitious period thriller with a great cast.  Irish language drama production is always challenging, even more so when multiple locations and time periods are involved, as in this project. Northern Ireland Screen and the ILBF were delighted to support the development and production of this film alongside our partners.
Áine Walsh, Head of Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund 

Aithrí has been well received by cinema and festival audiences alike and we are very pleased that it will now be enjoyed by TG4 viewers over the Easter weekend. The BAI has provided funding support for this feature length drama under Sound & Vision, a BAI Broadcasting Funding Scheme.
Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive – BAI

Investment and support for Irish language content is a key part of Screen Ireland’s slate and we hope TG4 audiences enjoy this film from award-winning Derry filmmaker Tom Collins.
James Hickey, Chief Executive – Screen Ireland

Aithrí/Penance can be seen on TG4 this Easter Saturday, April 20th, at 8.55pm on TG4.