Palme D’Or - Irish film industry in the limelight

THE spectacular success of British director Ken Loach’s film about the War of Independence, which scooped the Palme d’Or at Cannes, inevitably raises questions about the health of Ireland’s film industry.

As one wag observed, the question is, will The Wind that Shakes the Barley shake the money tree?

Shot in Cork and Kerry, and starring Irish actor Cillian Murphy, parallels have been drawn between the brutalising of Irish people by British forces in the 1920s and what is happening in Iraq today. This anti-imperialism message is in keeping with the political edge that Mr Loach brings to his work.

Thus, it was unsurprising that British critics would question the film’s portrayal of British ruthlessness in 1920s Ireland, then still effectively a colony of Britain. Hopefully, for viewers in this country, where such wounds remain fresh, it will contribute to the healing process.

Within the industry, the focus now turns to what this prestigious prize means for the film business here.

Predictably, Arts and Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue has been quick to seize the initiative, describing the win as a tremendous boost for the film industry and claiming it would have a positive impact on future productions. He also claimed it vindicated Government policy decisions to increase funding through the Irish Film Board and improve tax incentives for investing in Irish films.

In reality, while Mr Loach’s masterly film is regarded as Irish, its financial backing came from France, Germany, Italy, and Britain as well as Ireland.

The Cannes prize is the next highest film award after the Oscars, and Mr O’Donoghue has declared that an Irish office would be opened in Los Angeles, the hub of the global film industry.

This announcement has been made before, but there is precious little to show for it. Having set a September deadline, actors, directors, investors, and the film-going public will be looking to Mr O’Donoghue to put his money where his mouth is.