NUI GALWAY academic and filmmaker Seán Breathnach has been nominated for the prestigious Bingham Ray New Talent Award at the 33rd Galway Film Fleadh.
Breathnach’s feature film, Foscadh, which he wrote and directed, will premiere at a special outdoor screening at Fr Burke Park, tomorrow, Friday July 23, at 9pm. It will be followed by a Q&A with the director, cast and crew.
Set in Connemara, Foscadh tells the story of friendless and guileless recluse John Cunliffe, who is suddenly propelled into manhood when his over-cosseting parents pass away. He inherits land that is in the way of a lucrative wind-farm development, and is forced to navigate the choppy waters of romance, trust, and vengeance.
'An especially Irish tale'
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“I think this is an especially Irish tale, exploring themes of heritage, memory, and identity,” said Breathnach, who teaches scriptwriting and production on the MA (Cleachtas Gairmiúil sna Meáin ) and the BA (Cumarsáid agus Gaeilge ) programme at NUI’s Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.
The film is inspired by Donal Ryan's The Thing About December, and stars Dónal Ó Héalaí (Arracht ), Fionnuala Flaherty (Out of Innocence ) and Cillian Ó Gairbhí (Blood ). It was produced by Paddy Hayes of Magamedia Teo.
'It deserves a wide audience'
Former students of NUIG media courses, Eoin O’Kelly Smith and Daithí Ó Cinnéide, worked as trainee assistant directors on the film. Caitríona McCormack was production assistant.
“Foscadh is a wonderful film, conceived and created here in the west of Ireland,” said NUIG’s Prof Breandán MacSuibhne. “It deserves - and will get - a wide audience. Seán Breathnach, is also a great teacher, who epitomises NUI Galway’s commitment to excellence in all we do. His colleagues are immensely proud of him.”
The winner of the 2021 Bingham Ray New Talent Award will be announced from 6pm, this Sunday, July 25, the closing night of the Fleadh, at an online awards’ ceremony.
