The second day of Dublin’s Storyhouse screenwriting festival kicked off with a bang on Friday as established writer-directors Ali Abbasi (Holy Spider), Mounia Akl (Costa Brava Lebanon) and Stacey Gregg (Ballywalter) all discussed at length the process of how they achieve their best work and how they balance the writer-director relationship.
“I think it’s not necessarily a process of digging deeper – sometimes it’s about digging sideways,” Abbasi told the Light House cinema audience. “I don’t necessarily think that working on something for ten years makes it better.”
Abbasi’s Holy Spider is a film noir based on the true story of the “Spider Killer” Saeed Hanaei who saw himself as on a mission from God as he killed 16 women who were sex workers between 2000 and 2001 in the Iranian holy city of Mashhad, and Abbasi said that when it came to making the Palme d’Or contender...
“I think it’s not necessarily a process of digging deeper – sometimes it’s about digging sideways,” Abbasi told the Light House cinema audience. “I don’t necessarily think that working on something for ten years makes it better.”
Abbasi’s Holy Spider is a film noir based on the true story of the “Spider Killer” Saeed Hanaei who saw himself as on a mission from God as he killed 16 women who were sex workers between 2000 and 2001 in the Iranian holy city of Mashhad, and Abbasi said that when it came to making the Palme d’Or contender...
- 3/22/2024
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Kitchen” co-director and co-writer Daniel Kaluuya and “Polite Society” writer-director Nida Manzoor are among the emerging talents recognized at the British Independent Film Awards’ (BIFA) New Talent categories.
Both have been longlisted twice, in the debut director and debut screenwriter categories. In all, 20 fiction and 15 documentary features have been longlisted in the four debut filmmaking categories. Nineteen first-time fiction feature directors, 17 first-time feature documentary directors, 17 first-time writers and 24 breakthrough producers have been recognized by BIFA voters this year.
BIFA Springboard, an annual program supporting second-time feature filmmakers will launch in early 2024. BIFA will reveal the Netflix-sponsored 2023 breakthrough performance longlist, which highlights British acting talent in their first significant role in a British feature film, on Oct. 24. The final five nominations in each category will be unveiled on Nov. 2. Winners will be revealed at the 26th BIFA ceremony on Dec. 3.
The Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director) Sponsored By...
Both have been longlisted twice, in the debut director and debut screenwriter categories. In all, 20 fiction and 15 documentary features have been longlisted in the four debut filmmaking categories. Nineteen first-time fiction feature directors, 17 first-time feature documentary directors, 17 first-time writers and 24 breakthrough producers have been recognized by BIFA voters this year.
BIFA Springboard, an annual program supporting second-time feature filmmakers will launch in early 2024. BIFA will reveal the Netflix-sponsored 2023 breakthrough performance longlist, which highlights British acting talent in their first significant role in a British feature film, on Oct. 24. The final five nominations in each category will be unveiled on Nov. 2. Winners will be revealed at the 26th BIFA ceremony on Dec. 3.
The Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director) Sponsored By...
- 10/18/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees comedian, actor, writer, director and future King of England, Mike Birbiglia, drop by the podbooth to have an extended, but very funny, natter with Chris Hewitt about Birbiglia's one-man show, The Old Man And The Pool, which is on now at the Wyndham's Theatre in London. They talk about that, about Mike's attempts to crack Ireland, about his movie Don't Think Twice (from 2016), and more. Then Chris is joined on Zoom by Brian Duffield, the writer/director of the very good alien/home invasion thriller, No One Will Save You, which hits Disney+ this week.
And either side of those, Chris is joined in the studio by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer for an episode in which they further develop a plan to save cinema, try heroically to stretch the movie news section out to a decent length despite the absence of any movie news,...
And either side of those, Chris is joined in the studio by Helen O'Hara and James Dyer for an episode in which they further develop a plan to save cinema, try heroically to stretch the movie news section out to a decent length despite the absence of any movie news,...
- 9/22/2023
- by Chris Hewitt
- Empire - Movies
Black Bear makes its biggest release with ‘Dumb Money’.
Expend4bles is looking to end the action franchise on a high note at the UK-Ireland box office this weekend, opening in 577 cinemas through Lionsgate.
Billed as the final film entry in the series, Expend4bles sees the titular team of mercenaries tasked with preventing a Third World War. Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture all reprise their roles, with Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran and Andy Garcia all joining the cast.
Expend4bles resurrects the franchise after a nine-year hiatus since 2014’s The Expendables 3.
Expend4bles is looking to end the action franchise on a high note at the UK-Ireland box office this weekend, opening in 577 cinemas through Lionsgate.
Billed as the final film entry in the series, Expend4bles sees the titular team of mercenaries tasked with preventing a Third World War. Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture all reprise their roles, with Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran and Andy Garcia all joining the cast.
Expend4bles resurrects the franchise after a nine-year hiatus since 2014’s The Expendables 3.
- 9/22/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Netflix has debuted the trailer for Pablo Larraín’s horror satire ‘El Conde.’
The movie is a dark comedy/horror that imagines a parallel universe inspired by the recent history of Chile. The film portrays Augusto Pinochet, a symbol of world fascism, as a vampire who lives hidden in a ruined mansion in the cold southern tip of the continent. Feeding his appetite for evil to sustain his existence.
After two hundred and fifty years of life, Pinochet has decided to stop drinking blood and abandon the privilege of eternal life. He can no longer bear that the world remembers him as a thief. Despite the disappointing and opportunistic nature of his family, he finds new inspiration to continue living a life of vital and counterrevolutionary passion through an unexpected relationship.
Directed by Larrain, Chilean actors Jaime Vadell, Gloria Münchmeyer, Alfredo Castro and Paula Luchsinger star. They are joined by Catalina Guerra,...
The movie is a dark comedy/horror that imagines a parallel universe inspired by the recent history of Chile. The film portrays Augusto Pinochet, a symbol of world fascism, as a vampire who lives hidden in a ruined mansion in the cold southern tip of the continent. Feeding his appetite for evil to sustain his existence.
After two hundred and fifty years of life, Pinochet has decided to stop drinking blood and abandon the privilege of eternal life. He can no longer bear that the world remembers him as a thief. Despite the disappointing and opportunistic nature of his family, he finds new inspiration to continue living a life of vital and counterrevolutionary passion through an unexpected relationship.
Directed by Larrain, Chilean actors Jaime Vadell, Gloria Münchmeyer, Alfredo Castro and Paula Luchsinger star. They are joined by Catalina Guerra,...
- 8/11/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Sky Documentaries release the UK first-look trailer and official poster for ‘Otto Baxter: Not a F***ing horror story.’
The doc follows Otto Baxter, a 35-year-old man with Down Syndrome, over six years, as he writes and directs a foul-mouthed, autobiographical comedy-horror-musical set in Victorian London.
Otto, who has always struggled to explain how he feels, uses his film ‘The Puppet Asylum’ to explore his birth, adoption and his epic battle with ‘The Master’ – an evil magician hell-bent on controlling his life. During the filmmaking process, Otto’s birth mother dies and he finds himself confronting life in the real world, including his future. Otto’s filmmaker friends Bruce Fletcher and Peter Beard help him to bring his vision to life, but also learn more about his unique perspective on the world and how they can play a role in his future.
Set in Victorian London, ‘The Puppet Asylum’, is...
The doc follows Otto Baxter, a 35-year-old man with Down Syndrome, over six years, as he writes and directs a foul-mouthed, autobiographical comedy-horror-musical set in Victorian London.
Otto, who has always struggled to explain how he feels, uses his film ‘The Puppet Asylum’ to explore his birth, adoption and his epic battle with ‘The Master’ – an evil magician hell-bent on controlling his life. During the filmmaking process, Otto’s birth mother dies and he finds himself confronting life in the real world, including his future. Otto’s filmmaker friends Bruce Fletcher and Peter Beard help him to bring his vision to life, but also learn more about his unique perspective on the world and how they can play a role in his future.
Set in Victorian London, ‘The Puppet Asylum’, is...
- 8/11/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Break Out Pictures and Elysian Film Group have released the new trailer for Prasanna Puwanarajah’s celebrated, award-winning directorial film debut ‘Ballywalter.’
A life-affirming story about the unexpected connections that can change the course of our lives. Eileen (Seána Kerslake) is a caustic, unrepentant University dropout whose dreams of a successful life in London have fallen by the wayside. Back at home with her mum, she makes ends meet by working as an unlicensed driver in her ex-boyfriend’s minicab.
Shane (Patrick Kielty) has exiled himself in Ballywalter following the break-up of his marriage, but now he’s trying to get his life back on track by enrolling in a stand-up comedy course. When Shane calls a taxi to get him to his classes, Eileen answers and a surprising connection is made. As the two spend time together shuttling back and forth, a beautiful friendship develops, leading both to a moment of realisation.
A life-affirming story about the unexpected connections that can change the course of our lives. Eileen (Seána Kerslake) is a caustic, unrepentant University dropout whose dreams of a successful life in London have fallen by the wayside. Back at home with her mum, she makes ends meet by working as an unlicensed driver in her ex-boyfriend’s minicab.
Shane (Patrick Kielty) has exiled himself in Ballywalter following the break-up of his marriage, but now he’s trying to get his life back on track by enrolling in a stand-up comedy course. When Shane calls a taxi to get him to his classes, Eileen answers and a surprising connection is made. As the two spend time together shuttling back and forth, a beautiful friendship develops, leading both to a moment of realisation.
- 8/10/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"I wouldn't be here with you..." Break Out Pictures & Elysian have revealed an official UK trailer for an indie drama titled Ballywalter, which is opening in the UK this September. It first premiered at last year's Belfast Film Festival, and it also played at the Cork Film Festival. Starring Seána Kerslake and comedian Patrick Kielty in his first dramatic role. A bitter sweet comedy-drama set in Ballywalter, Northern Ireland. Actor Prasanna Puwanarajah's Ballywalter film is a life affirming story about the unexpected connections that can change the course of our lives. Eileen is a caustic, unrepentant University drop-out whose dreams of a successful life in London have fallen by the wayside. Back at home with her mum, she makes ends meet by working as a driver. One day she picks up Shane, who has exiled himself in town following the break-up of his marriage. They make a connection and...
- 8/9/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Paul Mescal and Sharon Horgan were among the winners at the Irish Film and Television Awards.
Despite Colin Farrell losing out the best actor award to Mescal, “The Banshees of Inisherin” beat out competitors to win best film. In the international category “All Quiet on the Western Front” took home the top award on Sunday night.
Read on for the full list of winners.
Film Categories
Best Film
“Aisha”
“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Winner
“God’s Creatures”
“Lakelands”
“Róise & Frank”
“The Wonder”
Director – Film
“Aisha” – Frank Berry – Winner
“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Martin McDonagh
“It Is In Us All” – Antonia Campbell Hughes
“Joyride” – Emer Reynolds
“Let the Wrong One In” – Conor McMahon
“Róise & Frank” – Rachael Moriarty & Peter Murphy
Script – Film
“Aisha” – Frank Berry – Winner
“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Martin McDonagh
“God’s Creatures” – Shane Crowley
“Joyride” – Ailbhe Keogan
“Let the Wrong One In” – Conor McMahon
“Róise & Frank” – Rachael Moriarty,...
Despite Colin Farrell losing out the best actor award to Mescal, “The Banshees of Inisherin” beat out competitors to win best film. In the international category “All Quiet on the Western Front” took home the top award on Sunday night.
Read on for the full list of winners.
Film Categories
Best Film
“Aisha”
“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Winner
“God’s Creatures”
“Lakelands”
“Róise & Frank”
“The Wonder”
Director – Film
“Aisha” – Frank Berry – Winner
“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Martin McDonagh
“It Is In Us All” – Antonia Campbell Hughes
“Joyride” – Emer Reynolds
“Let the Wrong One In” – Conor McMahon
“Róise & Frank” – Rachael Moriarty & Peter Murphy
Script – Film
“Aisha” – Frank Berry – Winner
“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Martin McDonagh
“God’s Creatures” – Shane Crowley
“Joyride” – Ailbhe Keogan
“Let the Wrong One In” – Conor McMahon
“Róise & Frank” – Rachael Moriarty,...
- 5/9/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“The Banshees of Inisherin,” starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, led the nominations for the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) as the full list of nominees was unveiled on Monday night local time, picking up 11 nods in the film category.
“Bad Sisters” – Sharon Horgan’s Apple TV+ mystery series – led the pack in the drama category with 12 noms.
Coming off the back of a stellar year for Irish film and television, the nominations include a number of familiar names and titles, including Paul Mescal, who has been nominated for best lead actor in a film for “Aftersun” and best supporting actor in a film for “God’s Creatures” while Farrell is also competing in both categories, both for his star turn in “Banshees” and his supporting role as Penguin in “The Batman.”
“Conversations with Friends” has also scored noms in multiple categories while Aoife McArdle is up for best drama...
“Bad Sisters” – Sharon Horgan’s Apple TV+ mystery series – led the pack in the drama category with 12 noms.
Coming off the back of a stellar year for Irish film and television, the nominations include a number of familiar names and titles, including Paul Mescal, who has been nominated for best lead actor in a film for “Aftersun” and best supporting actor in a film for “God’s Creatures” while Farrell is also competing in both categories, both for his star turn in “Banshees” and his supporting role as Penguin in “The Batman.”
“Conversations with Friends” has also scored noms in multiple categories while Aoife McArdle is up for best drama...
- 3/7/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
It is the directorial debut of Prasanna Puwanarajah and the first leading film role from Northern Irish TV presenter Patrick Kielty.
UK filmmaker Prasanna Puwanarajah’s directorial debut Ballywalter has been picked up for release in the UK and Ireland, with Break Out Pictures releasing in the Republic and Northern Ireland, and CAA-backed Elysian Film Group distributing in Great Britain.
UK sales outfit Bankside Films represents worldwide sales, and are selling the title at the European Film Market (EFM).
Screen Star of Tomorrow 2017 Seána Kerslake stars alongside Northern Irish presenter Patrick Kielty in his first leading film role, and...
UK filmmaker Prasanna Puwanarajah’s directorial debut Ballywalter has been picked up for release in the UK and Ireland, with Break Out Pictures releasing in the Republic and Northern Ireland, and CAA-backed Elysian Film Group distributing in Great Britain.
UK sales outfit Bankside Films represents worldwide sales, and are selling the title at the European Film Market (EFM).
Screen Star of Tomorrow 2017 Seána Kerslake stars alongside Northern Irish presenter Patrick Kielty in his first leading film role, and...
- 2/17/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Paul Mescal emerged as one of the breakout stars of 2020 thanks to his performance in BBC and Hulu drama “Normal People.”
Ireland has seen a slew of such acting talent establish themselves in recent years, like Jessie Buckley with her star turn as the pregnant wife of a doomed Russian fireman in “Chernobyl” and Barry Keoghan, who won attention with lead roles in two 2017 films, “Killing of a Sacred Deer” and “Dunkirk.” Keoghan is now BAFTA-nominated for “Calm with Horses,” as is Niamh Algar, whose credits include “The Virtues” and “Raised by Wolves.” Elsewhere Domhnall Gleeson has made a name for himself as General Dux in recent “Star Wars” films, and also in “The Revenant” and “Ex Machina.”
Among the new generation of actors to watch are Fionn O’Shea, chosen as one of the Berlin Film Festival’s Shooting Stars of 2021. A “Normal People” alumnus, O’Shea will next be...
Ireland has seen a slew of such acting talent establish themselves in recent years, like Jessie Buckley with her star turn as the pregnant wife of a doomed Russian fireman in “Chernobyl” and Barry Keoghan, who won attention with lead roles in two 2017 films, “Killing of a Sacred Deer” and “Dunkirk.” Keoghan is now BAFTA-nominated for “Calm with Horses,” as is Niamh Algar, whose credits include “The Virtues” and “Raised by Wolves.” Elsewhere Domhnall Gleeson has made a name for himself as General Dux in recent “Star Wars” films, and also in “The Revenant” and “Ex Machina.”
Among the new generation of actors to watch are Fionn O’Shea, chosen as one of the Berlin Film Festival’s Shooting Stars of 2021. A “Normal People” alumnus, O’Shea will next be...
- 3/16/2021
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Bankside is selling Prasanna Puwanarajah’s debut, which stars Seána Kerslake and Patrick Kielty.
Filming has finished on location in Northern Ireland on Ballywalter, the feature directorial debut of doctor-turned-director Prasanna Puwanarajah.
Screen can reveal an exclusive first-look at the film.
Ballywalter follows a university drop-out living with her mum and making money as an unlicensed minicab driver, who picks up a budding stand-up comic whose marriage has recently broken up.
Screen Star of Tomorrow 2017 Seána Kerslake stars alongside Northern Irish comedian and TV personality Patrick Kielty in his first leading film role. The script was written by Stacey Gregg,...
Filming has finished on location in Northern Ireland on Ballywalter, the feature directorial debut of doctor-turned-director Prasanna Puwanarajah.
Screen can reveal an exclusive first-look at the film.
Ballywalter follows a university drop-out living with her mum and making money as an unlicensed minicab driver, who picks up a budding stand-up comic whose marriage has recently broken up.
Screen Star of Tomorrow 2017 Seána Kerslake stars alongside Northern Irish comedian and TV personality Patrick Kielty in his first leading film role. The script was written by Stacey Gregg,...
- 1/28/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Prasanna Puwanarajah’s debut feature, Ballywalter, in the making - Production / Funding - UK/Ireland
The actor’s first feature-length effort is currently shooting in Northern Ireland, and will be toplined by Paul Mallon, Joanne Crawford and Tara Cush. British actor Prasanna Puwanarajah is now filming his first feature in Northern Ireland, a comedy entitled Ballywalter. Before moving into filmmaking, Puwanarajah studied medicine at New College, Oxford, and worked extensively in the NHS and for Médecins du Monde. His previous acting credits include the TV series Defending the Guilty, Patrick Melrose and Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned. The project was penned by Belfast-born Stacey Gregg, the writer-director of the upcoming psychological thriller Here Before (see the news), and writer of The Innocents, Riviera and Your Ma’s a Hard Brexit. The story has been described as “a bittersweet comedy set in the village of Ballywalter” and will star actors Paul Mallon, Joanne Crawford and Tara Cush...
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