Omagh |
Irish feature-length drama, 'Omagh', has swept the boards at 45th Monte-Carlo Television Festival, to win a record 4 major awards including Best TV Film; The Special Jury Award and the Best Actor & Best Actress awards for Gerard McSorley & Michèle Forbes. |
‘Omagh’ has become one of the most successful Irish features in recent years having picked up major awards in Ireland (IFTA), Canada (Toronto Film Fest), Spain (San Sebastian Film Fest) and the UK (BAFTA).
Channel 4’s Head of Film and Drama, Tessa Ross, says: “This was a film made with enormous heart and bravery to show the human devastation caused by terrorist acts. It is wonderful that the Omagh story has struck a chord with audiences and critics the world over. I am delighted Monte Carlo has honoured the film so fully. It was a hugely exciting landmark production for Channel 4, reflecting our belief in drama’s ability to ask powerful and provocative political questions. “
Writer and Producer, Paul Greengrass, says: “I’m very honoured that we’ve received this award and I’m pleased for the victims of the Omagh bombing, and in particular Michael Gallagher & his family whose ongoing struggle for justice has been perused with such determination and dignity.”
Written by Guy Hibbert (May 33rd) and Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy, Bloody Sunday) and produced by Tiger Aspect/Hell’s Kitchen International, ‘Omagh’ examines the events and aftermath of August 15th 1998, when a Real IRA bomb claimed thirty-one lives. It tells the story of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group as they strive to find the truth of what happened that day.
At the heart of the film is the story of Michael Gallagher (played by Gerard McSorley), who lost his 21-year-old son Aiden in the explosion, and who has become a key spokesman and lobbyist for the Support Group. The film was made with the full co-operation of the Support Group and of the Gallagher family.
“I would like to think Omagh shows that in the midst of evil and wickedness, ordinary people from a wide variety of backgrounds have come together in the fight for truth and justice. I hope this film will help bring our struggle to a wider audience who will get the message that hope comes out of despair,” says Michael Gallagher of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group.
Directed by Pete Travis (Henry VIII) and produced by Ed Guiney (The Magdalene Sisters) and Paul Greengrass, ‘Omagh’ is an Anglo / Irish collaboration. The project was developed and produced by UK based Tiger Aspect (Billy Elliot, Murder, Teachers) and co-produced with Irish based Hell’s Kitchen International (In The Name of the Father, In America, The Boxer). Greg Brenman (Tiger Aspect) and Andrew Lowe and Arthur Lappin (Hell’s Kitchen International) are executive producers.
‘Omagh’ was funded by Channel 4, RTÉ and the Irish Film Board.
