More success for Irish film

THE prestigious Everglades Film Festival in South Africa is the next stop for an award-winning community film made in south Tipperary on a near-zero budget.

Race the Drop was made last year in the Ardfinnan area in south Tipperary by a team of 96 local enthusiasts led by writer, producer and director Will Nugent. It is one of five nominations in the public service /community film category.

Up against movies from the United States, Canada, Turkey, and Switzerland, it is due to be screened in South Africa on September 24 while the winner of the award will be announced at a gala dinner on September 29.

The film, which is set in the Famine and tells the story of the murder of a landlord’s agent, has already won an award at the Swansea International Film Festival. “I am so happy for everyone that got involved. I feel we have made a little bit of local history,” said director Will Nugent.

Shooting is currently under way on a feature-length prequel, Forty Shillin’ Shame, which weaves together three tragic tales from the 1820s. John Barry, a “40 shilling” farmer was killed during a raid on his house in Grange, south Tipperary in 1827. One of those strands involves five men who were hanged on the Green (common area) at Ardfinnan, for his murder. Four of these men were probably innocent.

The film however, does require a budget in the region of €35,000 and those involved are offering potential sponsors national and international exposure.

Screenings are already guaranteed at both the Swansea and Everglades festivals next year.