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Principal Photography to begin next month on Zanzibar Films Production ‘Sanctuary’
06 May 2015 : Seán Brosnan
Peter played by Michael Hayes and Sandy played by Emer Macken
Principal photography will begin this June, in Galway, on Christian O’Reilly’s ‘Sanctuary’, the Zanzibar Films feature film version of his acclaimed stage play, which was commissioned and produced by Blue Teapot Theatre Company.

The film will be directed by Len Collin and the DOP is Russell Gleeson while Production manager is Howard Gibbins.

The cast is led by Kieran Coppinger, Charlene Kelly, Michael Hayes, Emer Macken, Paul Connolly, Frank Butcher, Patrick Becker, Jennifer Cox and Valerie Egan. All are members of Blue Teapot, a multi award winning theatre company for people with intellectual disabilities.

Edwina Forkin of Zanzibar films stated: ‘Sanctuary’ was shortlisted for the Irish Film Board’s Catalyst scheme last year, and we are delighted to say that Bord Scannán na hÉireann have granted production funding, which we are confident we will be able to match fund. This enables us to move forward with production this summer, with principal photography on this landmark film beginning 29th June 2015.’

‘Sanctuary’ is a unique film in that it employs a large cast of actors with intellectual disabilities. According to director Len Collin, ‘At the moment there are a handful of actors with Downs Syndrome in the world that have careers in front of the camera. Five of our actors have Downs and they are all defined by their ability as actors rather than their disabilities set against societal norms. This film will go some way to changing people’s perceptions of those with autism and downs in particular. It is beautifully written and well observed with a great deal of humour and pathos.’

‘Sanctuary’ tells the story of Larry (Coppinger), who has Downs Syndrome, and Sophie (Kelly), who has severe epilepsy. The two are attracted to each other and, through a care worker Tom (Robert Doherty), they sneak away during a supervised cinema trip, to a hotel room. What do they do once they are there? How does a condom work? Are they aware that in Ireland they are about to break the law? While these questions are posed, the rest of their colleagues seek out their own challenges: an impromptu shopping trip, pints in the pub and a surreptitious cuddle in front of a movie screen. These simple challenges and triumphs offset the dramatic challenges that take place in a Galway hotel room between two lovers who refuse to be defined by their disabilities.

Writer Christian O’Reilly commented: ‘When Blue Teapot’s artistic director Petal Pilley asked me to write a play set in this world, I was shocked to discover that sex before marriage is illegal for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. We wanted the play to begin a conversation about the discrimination people with ID experience in having relationships. I am thrilled that we are now going to make a film of ‘Sanctuary’ and hope that it will continue the conversation that Petal wanted us to start. However, ‘Sanctuary’ won’t be preachy. Full of heart, humour and irreverence, it is simply a love story about two people who want to be together in a world that does everything to keep them apart.’

Filming will take place over six weeks in Galway.





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