Irish film to make US debut
Strength and Honour, the story of an ageing boxer forced back into the ring to pay for his son’s lifesaving operation, will premier at the prestigious Boston Film Festival.
A delighted Rochestown-born Mark Mahon, who wrote the screenplay for the film, confirmed yesterday that he is planning a major celebrity bash for Cork to tie in with its Irish premiere, which he hopes will take place before the end of the year.
Mark’s film company Maron Pictures has sold the US distribution rights for an undisclosed sum to Slowhand Cinema, headed by Marty Zieman, formerly one of the main players in Miramax and Paramount.
“We had a substantial offer from MGM, but we decided to go with Slowhand Cinema because we believe they will give us more coverage around the US,” said Mr Mahon.
He paid tribute to his business partner Olann Kelleher.
“It’s been a long time coming, but very welcome nonetheless. Making movies is the easy bit. The negotiations were much harder, like a minefield,” he said.
US cinema-goers will be able to see scenery in the film from around Rochestown, The Mardyke, Passage West, Douglas and Kinsale.
Mr Mahon said he and Mr Kelleher were finalising contracts for an Irish cinema release, which he hoped would take place in time for Christmas.
The Cork premiere, he confirmed, would be attended by the film’s four main stars, Michael Madsen, Vinnie Jones, Bergin and Chamberlain. He said other Hollywood stars would also attend. However, he said he was keeping their identities secret.
Two years ago he won a best screenplay award in the US for the film.
Meanwhile, he said he is hoping to start filming his Braveheart-style epic on Brian Boru next summer.
“Again it will be shot in Cork. We’ll be filming in a number of locations in West Cork, plus Bandon and Kinsale. We’re really hoping to put Cork firmly on the Hollywood map.”
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