A DVD of ‘Cré na Cille’, the feature film adaptation of Máirtín Ó Cadhain’s celebrated Irish language novel, has been released and will be available to buy from selected retailers and websites from November 27th onwards. The DVD, which has subtitles in Irish, English, French, Spanish, German and Chinese, is a darkly-humorous tale of an intense jealousy and hatred between two sisters which worsens with age and continues into the afterlife.
Directed by Robert Quinn (Primeval) and produced by Ciaran Ó Cofaigh (Na Cloigne) for ROSG, a Conamara based film and television production company. ‘Cré na Cille’ was shot with a cast and crew of 60 people in a variety of locations around Conamara and the DVD includes a documentary on the making of the film.
Starring Bríd Ní Neachtain (Clare sa Speir) as Caitríona Pháidín, ‘Cré na Cille’ focuses on a variety of buried bodies who are tormented by the slow passing of time and gossip non-stop about one another. The main character, Caitríona, has passed on to the afterlife and is eagerly awaiting the death of her sister Neil so that the pair can continue the long running battle of hatred between them. The film’s other cast members include Peadar Lamb (Secrets of the Cave), Máire Ní Mháille (Cosa Nite), Mac Dara Ó Fátharta (Leap Year) and Joe Steve Ó Neachtain (Na Cloigne).
Ciarán Ó Cofaigh, producer of ‘Cré na Cille’ tells IFTN about his approach to turning O’Cadhain’s book into the feature, saying: “Máirtín Ó Cadhain’s novel is probably the most important contemporary literary piece of work 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 availability of this DVD will really help to expose both Máirtín Ó Cadhain’s work and the Irish language to a much wider audience.”
’Cré na Cille’ was co-funded by TG4, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland Sound and Vision scheme and private investment through Section 481. Other support has been received from the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, to bring the finished film to a final 35mm print and thus enabling it’s screening in festivals and cinemas.
‘Cré na Cille’ will be available to buy from selected retailers and websites from 27 Nov. Log onto www.rosg.ie for all purchasing information.
