Beara locals immortalised in Jordan movie

THERE was a hint of Hollywood in the air over a west Cork fishing port as locals flocked to see themselves in a movie premiere.

Neil Jordan’s Ondine received its first Irish screening in a mobile cinema parked outside Beara Community Hall in Castletownbere.

The film, which was shot on location in the Beara Penninsula over three months in the summer of 2008, and features several local fishermen, co-op workers and characters, goes on general release today.

Starring Colin Farrell, it tells the story of a fisherman in the south-west of Ireland who catches a living girl in his net.

Theories about where the girl came from abound, as she transforms the lives around her in ways they could never have imagined.

The film also stars Alicja Bachleda – Farrell’s real-life partner – and Dervla Kirwan, Stephen Rea and Don Wycherley.

The screenings were organised by Beara Tourism. Its chairman, John Murphy, said the area looked beautiful on the big screen.

“What was unusual about this was that the entire film was shot on the streets and on the pier.

“We got a huge financial boost during the filming and we hope there will be positive spin-offs for tourism – much the same way that Dingle benefited from Ryan’s Daughter,” he said.

Landmarks like McCarthy’s Bar are featured as are local skippers and co-op workers who are referred to in the movie by their real names.