Aidan Gillen in Barber

Principal photography wraps in Dublin on new feature Barber

Principal photography has wrapped in Dublin on Barber, a new Irish film noir. Written by Fiona Bergin and Fintan Connolly, produced by Bergin and directed by Connolly, Barber stars Aidan Gillen as Val Barber, a private investigator on the trail of a missing young woman. The film was shot in locations all over the city.

Val Barber, a private investigator, is hired by a wealthy widow to locate her missing granddaughter. The film is set in Dublin against the background of a global pandemic. Barber’s initial investigations into Sara’s disappearance quickly darken. Secrets start surfacing in unexpected ways. Before too long, Barber finds himself entangled with powerful men of shady morals determined to thwart his investigations. Has he bitten off more than he can chew?

Working with Aidan to bring Valentine Barber and his world to life was a very rewarding experience. Dublin provides a brilliant background to the story. Coming out of the first lockdown and following the new coronavirus safety protocols, collaborating with this crew and cast felt close to normal. I loved every minute of it.

Fintan Connolly, Director

The excitement of shooting Barber on and off the streets of Dublin after being locked down for months was immense. Great to get back to doing what you do (safely of course) with other actors and filmmakers who are of a similar mind was a total buzz. Also capturing the feeling and look and particular energy there is on the streets right now was an opportunity I’m glad we took.  I’m not sure how many modern Dublin noirs there are, but it was unvisited territory for me at least.

Aidan Gillen, Lead Actor

Shooting during a pandemic brings a raft of additional challenges but both cast and crew were extremely responsive and we got into the rhythm of it pretty quickly. It was great to be making a film again and film folk tend to be both hardy and adaptable.

Fiona Bergin, Producer

Produced with support from Screen Ireland, Barber brings together a host of Irish actors the cast includes Gary Lydon, Aishling Kearns, Irma Mali, Deirdre Donnelly, Steve Wall, Helen Behan, David Herlihy, Camille O’Sullivan, Liam Carney, Simone Collins, Nick Dunning, Ruaidhri Conroy, Desmond Eastwood, Isabelle Connolly, Gerard Mannix Flynn and Jimmy Smallhorne.

Owen McPolin is director of photography, Robert Flanagan is sound mixer, Tracey O’Hanlon is production designer, Declan Sheridan is art director, Maureen Hughes and Barry Coyle are casting directors. Lesley McKimm is executive producer for Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.