 Bríd Ní Neachtain |
The feature film adaptation of Irish language novel ‘Cré na Cille’ is set to receive its world premiere at Galway’s Town Hall Theatre this weekend (Sat 2nd). Produced by ROSG and directed by Robert Quinn (Dead Bodies), the film has been produced to commemorate 100 years since the birth of the book’s author Máirtín Ó Cadhain.
‘Cré na Cille’, translated as Graveyard Soil, was shot earlier this year with a cast and crew of 60 people in a variety of locations around Connemara. Photographed by Tim Fleming (Small Engine Repair), the black comedy is set in a Connemara cemetery and tells the tale of an intense jealousy and hatred between two sisters which worsens with age and continues into the afterlife. The screenplay was written by Mac dara Ó Fatharta and Robert Quinn.
Bríd Ní Neachtain heads the cast of the film. Bríd was nominated for an Irish Times Theatre Award for her performance stage adaptation of the book in 2002. Co-stars include Irish language actors Macdara Ó Fátharta (Ros na Rún), Peadar Lamb (Killinaskully) and other Ros na Rún faces Joe Steve Ó Neachtain , Diarmuid Mac an Adhastair and Máire Ní Mháille.
Ciarán Ó Cofaigh, producer of ‘Cré na Cille’, says he believes the film adaptation makes O’Cadhain’s novel come to life. “Máirtín Ó Cadhain’s novel is probably the most important literary piece of work ever written in the Irish language. Our film adaptation accentuates the comedic element of this fantastic piece of work and makes it much more accessible to both Irish and non-Irish speaking audiences.”
The 94 minute film was co-funded by TG4, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland ‘Sound and Vision’ scheme and Section 481. The film will screen on TG4 in 2007 and it is hoped a festival run will follow the screening this weekend.
