Three Irish independent features, Twice Shy, Dead Along the Way, and South, are the first films to sell out their allocations of tickets at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. A fourth independent feature, In View, is also selling strongly and is expected to sell-out before the festival opening on July 5th.
The Galway Film Fleadh is a huge supporter of Irish film, with almost 50 features and documentaries playing at the 6 day festival, as well as a host of short films from both sides of the border.
Speaking on the news, Festival programmer Gar O’Brien commented:
The Galway Film Fleadh was established with the intent to give Irish filmmakers a platform both nationally and internationally, and it’s an ethos we try very hard to keep front and centre here. Today you have wonderful films of all sizes and budgets being made on this island and it’s important to give everyone a chance whether they are a big budget potential blockbuster made by some of our best established and upcoming talent or an independent project, made by passionate, indomitable filmmakers who just go out there make their films, and make them well. We’re delighted to give independent Irish Filmmakers a platform here and play a role in helping them on their journey.
Twice Shy
Twice Shy is a coming of age story about a young, unmarried couple who embark on a road trip from Ireland to London, as the result of an unplanned pregnancy. While on the road they reflect on their relationship and find themselves facing life changing decisions that will change the rest of their lives. Will these choices bring them closer together or ultimately drive them apart? Although it’s a story about young love and finding your place, Twice Shy explores some very topical issues in a sensitive and non-judgmental manner.
Twice Shy director Tom Ryan was delighted at his film selling out in less than 24 hors:
It’s absolutely incredible for our movie to sell out so fast on its first ever screening. Movies are made for audiences and to know that all the seats will be filled at the premiere is as gratifying as it is nerve-wrecking. To be included in this years programme along with so many terrific Irish films is a wonderful experience.
Twice Shy screens in the Town Hall Studio on Friday, July 8th at 6:30pm.
Dead Along the WayDead Along the Way is the story of Wacker and Tony – a pair of down-on-their-luck videographers – who are about to video a wedding, and they think their lives can’t get any worse. Wacker’s wife has chucked him out, he has been beaten up over money she borrowed for fertility treatment, and a drink-fueled incident the night before has put his friendship with Tony under huge strain. But their problems are only beginning: Big Jim – a notorious loan shark who is also having a pretty bad time of it after learning about his 16 year old daughter’s pregnancy – visits the church and dies after a scuffle with Tony. The videographers decide to try and conceal their crime before any wedding guests arrive. What happens next is ungodly.
Dead Along the Way director Maurice O’Carroll was similarly taken aback with the news:
Galway Film Fleadh is respected around the world and for a relatively unknown filmmaker like myself to have my debut, no budget feature not only accepted into the Fleadh, but to then sell out almost immediately has been incredible. I’m thrilled for the whole team involved and delighted to be able to share this experience with them from the brilliant platform that is The Fleadh.
Dead Along the Way plays the Town Hall Studio on Wednesday, July 6th at 7:30pm.
SouthSouth tells the story of Tom, a young man struggling with the recent death of his father. After finding a note from his estranged mother he decides to hit the road and try to find her. Throughout this journey Tom also tries to overcome his crippling stage fright as a musician. Along his journey he meets Jess, a free-spirited young woman that captivates his mind and heart.
Commenting on the news director Gerard Walsh said:
When I got the notification it was amazing, we must have been one of the last to have been told, so I was mega nervous, then I found out on my way to a job. To say I was relieved is an understatement, I called anyone who would take my call and shouted down the phone at them! Having South premiere at the Fleadh was my main goal when I set out to make the film, and achieving that has really been special for me and the team involved. It’s gone so fast that some of our cast and crew haven’t got a ticket for the screening, even our producer is trying to swindle some for his parents. It’s exactly like Beatle-mania!
South plays the Town Hall Studio on Thursday, July 7th at 8:30pm.
The 28th Galway Film Fleadh runs July 5th to 10th, 2016. More information can be found on the official website, Facebook page, and Twitter.