Award-winning film exploring harsh reality of rural isolation comes home to Mayo
AN award-winning short film, written and produced by two south Mayo men, will enjoy its Mayo premiere in Claremorris on Thursday, May 8. Screenings in Ballinrobe and Glencorrib will follow later in the month.
Where The Old Man Lives explores themes of rural isolation, resilience, and the profound impact of losing one’s sense of security. The film was inspired by true events, including the well-documented Padraic Nally story in Cross.
Written and produced by Carnacon native Ruaidhrí Hallinan and Kilmaine’s Eamonn Keane, of Maglite Films, Where The Old Man Lives has already picked up several awards including Best Cinematography at both the Oscars-qualifying Edmonton International Film Festival in Canada and at the Worcester Film Festival in the UK, and Best International Short Film at the Catalina Film Festival in California. It enjoyed its Irish premiere at the Kerry International Film Festival, with recent screenings at Kansas City Film Festival, Beeston Film Festival and Vienna International Film Festival.
Claremorris Town Hall Studio will play host to the Mayo premiere on Thursday night, May 8, with tickets available through www.townhall.ie and on the door.
On Thursday, May 15, Where The Old Man Lives will be screened in Ballinrobe Library, with Glencorrib Community Centre playing host on Wednesday and Thursday, May 21 and 22. Tickets for the Ballinrobe and Glencorrib shows are available through Eventbrite and on the door.
All events begin at 8 p.m., and will be followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers, led by MC Cróna Esler, author of Unless By Invitation: Crimes That Shocked Ireland.
The film stars renowned Irish playwright, novelist, actor and poet Michael Harding, in his first venture in a lead role on the silver screen. Harding spent a number of years as a resident playwright in The Abbey Theatre, as well as starring as the Bull McCabe in The Gaiety Theatre’s 50th anniversary production of The Field.
Harding plays alongside acclaimed Irish actress Ruth McCabe, whose feature film works include My Left Foot, The Field, The Snapper, and Philomena.
Where The Old Man Lives is a compelling and introspective film that delves into the life of Michael (Michael Harding), an elderly man living alone on a rural farm in Ireland. Through the lens of Michael's journey, the film examines the fragility of the human psyche and the longing for a world turned upside down, to be made right once more.
Where The Old Man Lives will be the headline short for each of the Mayo screenings in May, while audiences will also get to enjoy two others. The first, ‘Rapacious’, was written, directed and produced by Eamonn Keane. Filmed around Moorehall, it tells the story of a man who, fearing capture for sins of a rapacious past, comes face-to-face with his greatest transgression.
The final short, ‘Radha’, was written and directed by Sonya O'Donoghue. Set in rural Ireland, it tells the story of 12-year-old Radha who lives a solitary life with her grandmother. After witnessing the tragic death of a local girl, they find themselves complicit in hiding the truth from the community that surrounds them.
Speaking ahead of the screenings, co-writer and co-producer Ruaidhrí Hallinan said: “From Kerry to Kansas City, and from Vienna to Edmonton, it’s been an incredible journey for Where The Old Man Lives, but there’s just something extra special about bringing it home to Mayo.
“The film takes a modern day look at farm life in rural Ireland and the isolation faced by so many. The story is sure to resonate with audiences across south Mayo, and we’re really proud to be holding these exclusive screenings in Claremorris, Ballinrobe and Glencorrib.”
Eamonn Keane added: “This is a film we really wanted to make. It delves into characters and the intricacies of the human condition, looking at the theme of rural isolation, and exploring the profound impact it can have on individuals. It illuminates the realities of rural life and the fear of living alone.
“We both grew up in rural Ireland and can identify with the characters and their stories. We’ve heard the stories and seen the consequences, we know about the fear that is present in so many communities, but we have never seen it brought to life on screen and we felt this was a story that needed - and deserved - to be told.”