In eight weeks of local release by Buena Vista International (Ireland), the film has taken over €2.2 million, ahead of the Irish box office tallies of Irish Film Board co-financed titles as The General, Circle of Friends, and The Magdalene Sisters.
Intermission, which was produced by Company of Wolves and Parallel Films is now, according to Carlton Screen Advertising, the 7th highest grossing title overall at the Irish box office in 2003, ahead of such Hollywood titles as Catch Me If You Can, and The Pirates of the Caribbean.
The film is due for a UK release through BVI on 28 November, and in early 2004 in US through IFC. It recently won the UIP Best Director Award for John Crowley in Cork, and is nominated for 11 Irish Film and Television Awards.
"Its great to see an Irish film strike such a chord with the Irish public and make an impact at the local box office against the big Hollywood blockbusters," said Irish producer Alan Maloney. “I want to continue to make films that connect with audiences and I hope BSÉ/IFB will continue to be funded to an extent that enables the agency to continue its valuable part in getting these sorts of films made."
"Irish independent films are finally reaching a critical mass and it is heartening to see local audiences embracing home grown films," said BSÉ/IFB CEO Mark Woods. "With adequate funding, BSÉ/IFB will be able to continue this positive momentum in 2004 and beyond, building on the solid foundations that are now in place to ensure that we maintain a sustainable and viable indigenous film production sector."
Intermission was co-funded by BSÉ/IFB, the UK Film Council and IFC Films, with UK/Ireland distribution by Buena Vista International (BVI) and international sales by Portman.
