Gleeson to direct adaption of Irish masterpiece

ACTOR Brendan Gleeson has secured funding to make a film of Flann O’Brien’s masterpiece At Swim Two Birds.

The signing of a movie co-production treaty between Ireland and Luxembourg is expected to plug a hole in the €7.5 million project.

The deal was sealed over the weekend at the Galway Film Fleadh.

Ireland’s Cultural Ambassador, the actor Gabriel Byrne – whose name has been linked to the film along with stars Colin Farrell and Cillian Murphy – said the agreement would ensure the film’s release.

“What exciting possibilities will be born out of this exciting co-production treaty including the film At Swim Two Birds, to be directed by the visionary Brendan Gleeson, which I have no doubt will find a worldwide audience,” he said in a letter to Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

At Swim Two Birds was first published in 1939. Written by Brian O’Nolan, under the pseudonym Flann O’Brien, it tells the tale of an adolescent boy who writes stories that contain characters that rebel against their creator.

Gleeson adapted the novel for the big screen and the project is years in the making, along with Irish company Parallel Films and Luxembourg-based producer Jani Thiltes.

They are still seeking some private investment, and production is expected to start next year.

While a location has not been finalised, they are aiming to shoot in Ireland.

Both the Irish Film Board and Film Fund Luxembourg have offered support.

Mr Deenihan, who signed the deal in Galway, said the film treaty between Ireland and Luxembourg would help film-makers tap into incentives and subsidies from both countries, as well as private finance.

“Co-production is of vital importance to the financing of the majority of Irish films and television production in Ireland, as well to the overall growth of the industry,” he said.

“For a country the size of Ireland there is no better way in which to raise international investment for projects of scale and it is fundamental to the way the industry is structured.”

He added: “Luxembourg has proved to be a very supportive partner to Ireland and we look forward to working together on many Irish and Luxembourg films.”

Recent Luxembourg Irish co-productions include The Runway while Love Eternal, directed by Brendan Muldowney, is to begin production in August.