Northern Ireland shot features ‘Hunger’ and ‘Fifty Dead Men Walking’ have been selected for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival which runs 4-13 September.
The Toronto Film Festival is considered on a par with other premier world film festivals such as Cannes, Venice and Berlin, and has a highly competitive selection process. It is considered a great launch pad for the North American market.
‘Hunger’, directed by Steve McQueen will compete in the Discovery section for Best Feature Film which is a showcase for new and emerging filmmakers. Starring Michael Fassbender (300, François Ozon’s Angel), and Liam Cunningham (The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Breakfast on Pluto), the film is an interpretation of the last six weeks in the life of Bobby Sands (Fassbender), during the 1981 IRA hunger strike at the notorious Maze prison.
‘Hunger’ has already won the prestigious Camera d’Or and the Critics Award at the Cannes Film Festival as well as Best Film at both the Sydney and Jerusalem festivals. Produced by Laura Hastings-Smith from Blast! Films and executive produced by Robin Gutch, the film will be released in Ireland on 31st October.
‘Fifty Dead Men Walking’ will enjoy a Gala Screening at Toronto along with other high profile Canadian and international films. Produced by Future Films Ltd and directed by Kari Skogland (The Stone Angel), the film set in the 1980s Northern Ireland stars Jim Sturgess (21, The Other Boleyn Girl) and Sir Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, Schindler’s List). Based on a true story, the follows nineteen year-old Marty McGartland, who was recruited by the British police to spy on the IRA and subsequently lives his life on the run after being discovered.
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen who help fund both films states: “The inclusion of ‘Hunger’ and ‘Fifty Dead Men Walking’ in one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals is fantastic news and we send our congratulations to everyone involved. The film and television sector has strong support in Northern Ireland – not least through the substantial investment from Invest NI.”
