The IFTA nominated dramatised feature documentary, ‘The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce’ has received a prestigious Rose d’Or nomination in the category of Drama And Mini Series, The film, set in 1820’s Australia, stars Irish actors Adrian Dunbar (The Crying Game) and Ciaran McMenamin (Sunday). It was produced and co-written by Irish producer Nial Fulton (Policing the Pacific).
‘The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce’ follows Irishman Alexander Pearce (McMenamin) as he awaits execution after being deported to Van Diemen’s Land and is reduced by the prison colony experience to serial cannibalism – a story that rocked the English-speaking world in its day. Pearce hailed from Clones parish before he was deported in 1819 after stealing six pairs of shoes. Other cast members include Dan Wyllie (Chopper), Don Hany (California King) & Chris Haywood (Shine). The project has previously won an Inside Film Award and an APRA Screen Music Award.
Irish producer and co-writer Nial Fulton is thrilled at the prospect of the film reaching a wider international audience, telling us: “This film never ceases to amaze me. We always knew it was a little bit special but it just keeps punching above its weight. Getting a nomination for the prestigious Rose d’Or Festival is a fantastic acknowledgement and testament to the efforts of a stellar cast and crew. I’m so proud our film is sitting in there amongst the cream of the world’s drama.”
Co-produced by the Australian Essential Viewing Group and RTÉ/ BBCNI, the film is directed by Michael James Rowland (Lucky Miles). It was commissioned for RTÉ Television by Kevin Dawson, Commissioning Editor for Factual Programmes.
The Rose d’Or Festival, held annually in Lucerne, Switzerland, looks to draw the best of the year's entertainment television programming. With more than 40 countries participating, the festival is an important networking platform for the onscreen entertainment community, and attracts leading figures from the global industry, providing an opportunity for discussion, debate and behind-the-scenes deal making. The festival this year will take place from the 18th to the 22nd of September.
