Irish director wins international award for Cork-shot film at Berlin festival

Director Brendan Canty on the set of 'Christy', which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival on February 14. Picture: Enda Browne

Young Irish director Brendan Canty has won a top award at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival for his street-cast, Cork-shot debut feature film.

Christy, which received its world premiere at the 75th Berlinale festival in the Generation 14plus section last week, won the Grand Prix of the International Jury for Best Film in that section at the weekend.

In their citation, the jury said the film “bursts with energy and raw emotion, capturing a teenager’s search for belonging with striking realism”.

The director’s deep bond with the community shines through and makes every frame feel alive and fresh

“With stunning performances from non-actors and heartfelt intensity, it moves us deeply — leaving us both shaken and smiling when leaving the cinema.” 

Canty said he was absolutely thrilled, but a little overwhelmed, with the win.

“We have a lot of confidence in this film, but it still feels a little surreal to win an award at its first outing and at a big European festival like this,” he said.

Director Brendan Canty and actor Danny Power celebrate the film's win at the award ceremony in Berlin. Picture: Berlinale.de

“We have been working on this film for about nine years, within a small group of people, and now it’s out in the world. It’s such an exciting start for the film, and I’m delighted for everyone involved that it’s having an impact already.” 

While Canty’s previous work includes the acclaimed Take Me To Church music video for Hozier, with over 1.4bn views on YouTube and two MTV VMA nominations; the award-winning short film, For You, starring Barry Keoghan; along with a catalogue of tv commercials, Christy is his first feature film and is based on his 2019 short film of the same name.

It was chosen to open the Generation 14plus competition at Berlinale before its release in Irish and British cinemas later this year.

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

'Christy' is based on his 2019 short film of the same name.

It stars Young Offenders star Danny Power as Christy; Diarmuid Noyes, of Pure Mule: The Last Weekend and Five Minutes of Heaven fame, as his brother Shane; Emma Willis, who has appeared in Vikings, The Young Offenders, and Dating Amber; Alison Oliver, who has starred in Saltburn and Conversations With Friends; and Chris Walley, also of The Young Offenders and Bodkin.

Like the 2019 short, it also features an ensemble cast of first-time young actors who were street cast through The Kabin Studios — the music outreach project on Cork's northside.

Canty, who hailed the wide range of State supports for the Irish film industry, said he learned so much about the business side of the film industry from his attendance in Berlin last week and hopes the success of Christy will lead to new projects.

Funded by BBC Film and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Christy is due to get a cinema release here within a few months.