Property of The State, a powerful drama based on the true story of a young woman who must deal with the devastating effects of having a murderer for a brother, will launch in Irish cinemas - Friday, October 27th.
Based on the diary of Ann Marie O’Donnell and adapted by Susan Morrell, ‘Property of The State’ explores how the misdiagnosis of challenging behaviour at an early age, the lack of care of individuals with a mental illness, and domestic and institutional abuse could combine and ultimately lead to tragic consequences, consequences that were potentially avoidable.
‘Property of the State’ was made in Northern Ireland with filming taking place at Shackleton Studios at Ballykelly and the surrounding areas from October 2015 and post taking place at Twickenham Studios. Music is by Pol Brennan.
Directed by Kit Ryan, the film is produced by Terence Ryan, Alan Latham, Jo Gilbert, James Ryan and Ken Tuohy.
IFTA nominated Aisling Loftus (‘War and Peace’, ‘Mr. Selfridge’) plays Ann Marie O’Donnell while IFTA Rising Star Patrick Gibson (‘What Richard Did’) plays her brother Brendan. Other actors to feature include Elaine Cassidy (‘The Program’, ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses), Hugh O’Conor (‘The Fall’, ‘The Frankenstein Chronicles’), David Rawle (‘Moone Boy’) and Hazel Doupe.
Director of the film, Kit Ryan said:
“This true story is tragic on many levels, from those directly impacted, to those who judged from afar. Ann Marie found herself in a conflicted and confusing space, caught between family and the tragic acts perpetrated by her brother. She also found herself as the point of much admonishment and abuse and accused of being guilty by family association. The tragedy is that the effects of mental illness are as internationally relevant today as they were in the 1990s.”
Producer Terence Ryan of PIX Productions added:
“The issues addressed by ‘Property of The State’ are as important today as they were 25 years ago. Even though much understanding has been achieved, there is still a long road ahead.”
'Property of the State' goes on general release - Friday, October 27th.
