Irish Abroad: Paddy Breathnach’s Viva to sell at Toronto

Screendaily is reporting that Irish director Paddy Breathnach’s new film Viva will be presented to buyers at the forthcoming Toronto International Film Festival.

Mongrel Media International will handle international sales, with XYZ Films and Submarine representing the US and Canadian rights. ARP Selection has already agreed a deal to distribute Viva in France.

Viva, which was primarily filmed in Cuba with some Irish shooting, is the story of Jesus, a young man growing up in Havana, who works as a hair and make-up artist for drag acts. His secret desire is to perform on stage, but he must choose between pursuing his dream and reconnecting with his father, who is newly released from prison.

Héctor Medina stars in the lead, alongside writer Mark O’ Halloran (Adam and Paul), as well as Jorge Perugorría (Strawberries and Chocolate) and Luis Alberto García (Che). Cathal Watters (One Million Dubliners) is Director of Photography on the film, while Production Designer Paki Smith reunites with Breathnach, having previously worked together on Man About Dog.

Rebecca O’Flanagan and Robert Walpole produce for Treasure Entertainment, with funding from the Irish Film Board, Windmill Lane Pictures, RTÉ, and Treasue Entertainment.

[quote title=”Robert Walpole – Treasure Entertainment, Producer”]We’re delighted that we have such a strong team representing the movie. Viva was a passionate labour of love for everyone involved, depicting a world that we love and that has rarely been seen on film. We are thrilled to have equally passionate partners.[/quote]