Production has begun on Fastnet Film’s new project ‘Sunshine or in Shadow’, a feature length documentary directed by Andrew Gallimore that examines the dramatic historical connotations and true story behind the epic world featherweight title match that took place between Barry McGuigan and the Panamanian champion Eusebio Pedroza.
The clash has become a legendary encounter that gripped the Irish nation on one hot summer’s night in 1985.
With the same creative team behind the 2009 IFTA winning ‘Troid Fhuilteach’ (A Bloody Canvas), the film will document the fight which took place in the open air at Loftus Road, home of QPR football club in West London. Twenty-five thousand Irish spectators attended the contest, with a further twenty million viewers watching on television throughout Ireland and the UK. It was the BBC’s largest single viewing figure of the year and confirmed the incredible popularity enjoyed by McGuigan at this time on both sides of the Irish Sea.
“In order to paint the definitive picture of the events in question and interview the leading players involved we’ve been required to undertake a shooting schedule that takes in New York, Panama City, London, Dublin and Belfast,” says producer Morgan Bushe. “There’s a compelling cast of characters involved and while McGuigan takes centre stage inside the ring, we’ll also focus on the key players and drama that played out behind the scenes.”
Funding for ‘Sunshine or in Shadow’ has come from the BCI Sound and Vision Scheme and Setanta Sports Ireland. The film is due to be premiered on the 8th of June 2010 to mark the 25th anniversary.
