Irish Film: Minister Heather Humphreys visits set of Sing Street

Heather Humphreys, Minister for Arts, Culture & the Gaeltacht, this week visited the set of the Irish film production Sing Street directed by Once director John Carney and starring newcomer Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, alongside Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Jack Reynor.

With support from Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board, Sing Street is a new Irish film produced by Cosmo Films. Set in 1980s recession-ridden Dublin, Sing Street tells the story of a fourteen year old who finds life at home difficult. He decides to form a band with school mates, with whom he writes songs and shoots videos. When family trouble strikes, he runs away to London with his fifteen year old girlfriend who aspires to be a model.

Other Irish films currently in production with support from Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board include Mammal directed by Rebecca Daly, written by Daly and Glenn Montgomery starring Rachel Griffith and Barry Keoghan; A Date for Mad Mary directed by Darren Thornton and written by Bob and Darren Thornton; and Room written by Emma Donoghue and directed by Lenny Abrahamson, together with My Name is Emily written and directed by Simon Fitzmaurice which just finished production this week.

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Speaking on set Minister Humphreys said: “The Irish film and television industry has continued to grow significantly and has experienced record levels of production activity over the last few years. I’m delighted to see a strong number of exciting Irish feature films currently in production and it was a pleasure to experience first-hand the creative Irish work and expertise being invested in Sing Street.”

“I was delighted to get a firm commitment from the Minister for Finance in the Budget look at other measures to boost the film and TV production sector here, which supports up to 6,000 jobs. Further enhancements to the Section 481 tax relief scheme will contribute to growth and employment opportunities for Irish cast and crew in these creative industries, as well as helping to attract major international productions to Ireland.”

Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board Chairman Bill O’Herlihy said “The strength and breadth of films in production shows the vibrancy of the industry. The decision to fund these projects reflects the Irish Film Board’s intention to foster Irish talent and creativity as well as support productions that have a strong opportunity of enjoying commercial success.”

Ireland’s film, television and animation industry is widely recognised as a significant economic contributor and is worth over €550 million to the Irish economy and employs 6,000 individuals.