INTERMISSION - IFB's TOP GROSSING TITLE IN IRELAND
John Crowley's Irish box office hit INTERMISSION has become the all time top-grossing film at the Irish box office for Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
In eight weeks of local release by Buena Vista International (Ireland), the Colin Farrell starrer has taken over €2.2 million, edging ahead of the Irish box office tallies of such previous BSÉ/IFB co-financed titles as THE GENERAL, CIRCLE OF FRIENDS and THE MAGDALENE SISTERS (which recently passed $4 million at the US box office for Miramax).
INTERMISSION, which was produced by Company of Wolves and Parallel Films is now the *7th highest grossing title overall at the Irish box office in 2003, ahead of such Hollywood titles as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN.
INTERMISSION, which rolls out in the UK on 28th November through BVI and releases Stateside in early 2004 via IFC, is the most nominated film for the 01 November Irish Film and Television Awards with 11 nominations. Director John Crowley recently took home the UIP Award for Best Director at the Cork Film Festival.
"Its great to see an Irish film strike such a chord with the Irish public and make an impact at the local box office against the big Hollywood blockbusters," said INTERMISSION producer Alan Maloney. “I want to continue to make films that connect with audiences and I hope BSÉ/IFB will continue to be funded to an extent that enables the agency to continue its valuable part in getting these sorts of films made."
"Irish independent films are finally reaching a critical mass and it is heartening to see local audiences embracing home grown films," said BSÉ/IFB CEO Mark Woods. "With adequate funding, BSÉ/IFB will be able to continue this positive momentum in 2004 and beyond, building on the solid foundations that are now in place to ensure that we maintain a sustainable and viable indigenous film production sector."
INTERMISSION was co-funded by BSÉ/IFB, the UK Film Council and IFC Films, with UK/Ireland distribution by Buena Vista International (BVI) and international sales by Portman.
Two other films co-financed by BSÉ/IFB are also due for release in Ireland before the end of the year. These include SPIN THE BOTTLE on November 28th and MYSTICS on December 12th. SONG FOR A RAGGY BOY is currently on release nationwide though Abbey Films.
*Source-www.carltonscreen.com