Feature film shot in Cork to premiere at prestigious Berlin Film Festival

The film 'Christy' has Young Offenders star Danny Power and Diarmuid Noyes of Pure Mule: The Last Weekend and Five Minutes of Heaven fame in the lead roles

A still from 'Christy', the film by Brendan Canty starring Daniel Power takes place over one summer in Cork City’s northside.

The debut feature film by award-winning Irish director Brendan Canty, which was shot in Cork, is to receive its world premiere at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival on Friday night.

Christy, based on Mr Canty’s acclaimed short film of the same name, has been chosen to open the Generation 14plus competition at Berlinale 2025 before its release in Irish and UK cinemas later this year.

Mr Canty’s previous work includes the acclaimed 'Take me to Church' music video for Hozier, which has had more than 1.4bn views on YouTube and received two MTV VMA nominations, the award-winning short film, For You, starring Barry Keoghan, and a catalogue of TV commercials.

But he said he is absolutely “buzzing” for the world premiere of his first feature film.

“We’ve been working on this film for over seven years now and it’s come together with the help of the most amazing group of people imaginable,” he said.

“This film is about a foster kid finding his way in the world and the power that family, friends and community have in helping people to heal.

Director Brendan Canty on the set of Christy: 'I cannot wait to bring this story to the world and to celebrate with everyone. It’s been a long time coming.'

“I cannot wait to bring this story to the world and to celebrate with everyone. It’s been a long time coming.” 

Written by Alan O’Gorman from a story by Alan and Brendan Canty, Christy follows two estranged brothers as they grapple with their past and resolve to unite over one summer in Cork City’s northside.

It stars Young Offenders star Danny Power as Christy, with Diarmuid Noyes, of Pure Mule: The Last Weekend and Five Minutes of Heaven fame, as his brother Shane.

Other cast members include Emma Willis, who has appeared in Vikings, The Young Offenders, and Dating Amber; Alison Oliver, who has starred in Saltburn and Conversations With Friends; Chris Walley, also of The Young Offenders and Bodkin; and Helen Behan, who has starred in The Virtues and This Is England '90.

The film draws inspiration from the lived experiences of young people, with much of its ensemble cast drawn from the legendary Kabin Studio in Cork, whose viral 2024 track 'The Spark', recorded with Lisdoonvarna Crew, was longlisted for a Grammy, earned over a billion views and was dubbed the ‘song of the summer’ by The New York Times.

It was funded by BBC Film and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland. It was made with mentorship from renowned director Yann Demange, who serves as executive producer.

As well as networking with key business contacts, Canty is expected to be rubbing shoulders at the festival with Robert Pattinson, Timothée Chalamet, Rose Byrne, Toni Collette, Marion Cotillard, Ethan Hawke, Andrew Scott, Chloë Sevigny and Ben Whishaw.