The latest feature from Tom Collins is an Irish language project, also known as ‘Aithrí’, is currently filming in Ramelton, Co. Donegal and Derry City.
Collins (The Gift) directs a script penned by Greg Ó 'Braonáin (Ros na Rún) chronicling the whose promotion of violence against the English by Fr. Eoin O’Donnell.
Peter Coonan (Love/Hate) leads the cast as the young priest, who exerts his influence over parishioners, and one teenage boy in particular, in the lead up to the 1916 Rising. The two meet again in 1969, re-examining the roles they shared and the consequences of their actions.
Tom Collins, Director:
“I had often heard that Peter Coonan was one of Ireland's best actors, so I had wanted to work with him for a while now. It has been a great experience to see him delivering such powerful performances on ‘Penance.’”
Peter Coonan, Lead Actor:
“I was attracted to this role primarily because of the challenge it posed but also because it was a chance to dive into the psyche of a man in 1916 Ireland. The fact that it happens to be a priest is just another interesting layer that makes it a really exciting role for an actor.”
‘Penance’ is produced by Collins and Edwina Forkin of Zanibar Films. The project was awarded funding from Northern Ireland Screen fund supported by Invest NI, the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, The Irish Film Board, TG4, and the BAI.