IFTN readers will recall our interview with Slattery back in February when we spoke with the director about the film’s long journey to the screen ahead of Broken Law’s world premiere at DIFF, something he described as “one of the most difficult challenges [he has] ever faced.”
The film went on to receive a standing ovation and a number of strong reviews following its debut at the Dublin festival, and now Break Out Pictures have announced that Slattery’s much-anticipated debut feature film will hit cinemas this Autumn.
"Over the last ten years I would have told you that nothing, not even a global pandemic, could stop me from making this film and bringing it to cinemas”, said director Paddy Slattery when speaking about the upcoming release. “Well, I guess this is why they say you should never tempt fate. But bringing a film to the big screen has been a dream of mine for so many years, so it feels surreal knowing that this dream will become a reality very soon.
“Of course this pandemic has forced us to put our plans on ice for now, but it has also reminded us of how important the cinema-going experience is, thereby making our journey from script to screen all the more meaningful,” Slattery continued. “We’re extremely proud of our film and cannot wait to share it with audiences when cinemas finally re-open.”
Broken Law tells the story of two estranged brothers on opposite sides of the law. Dave Connolly is a respected member of the Garda Síochána but his loyalty to the force gets tested by his ex-convict brother Joe following a botched robbery. Suddenly Dave finds himself embroiled in a cover-up that leads to a secret relationship with Amia, an unhappily married woman who also happens to be the victim of his brother's latest crime.
The film is a taut and tense thriller that examines family loyalty, legacy, and how far we will go to protect the ones we love.
Broken Law is directed and written by Paddy Slattery and stars Tristan Heanue, Graham Earley, John Connors, Ryan Lincoln, and Gemma-Leah Devereux. It is produced by Simon James Doyle and Paddy Slattery with backing from Screen Ireland.