BSE/IFB-Backed Feature Films Top Xtra-vision charts
Bord Scannan na hEireann/the Irish Film Board backed Irish films have been performing exceptionally well in the competitive DVD market, having topped the Xtra-vision rental charts over the last two months.INTERMISSION starring Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy and Colin Meaney, was released on DVD exclusively to Xtra-vision in March this year and blasted straight into the number one position in their rental charts to become their highest grossing title ever released in Ireland over a six week period.
Following hot on the tail of INTERMISSION, SONG FOR A RAGGY BOY was released on DVD exclusively to Xtra-vision earlier this month and has also gone straight into the top position on their rental charts.
INTERMISSION’S successful rental run follows its record-breaking stint in Irish cinemas last year, where it became the highest grossing BSÉ/IFB-backed Irish film of all time, taking over €2.5 million at the box office. IFC Films is currently releasing INTERMISSION in the US where it has reached the top 30 films at the box office, playing on sixty one screens The film was funded by BSE/IFB, UK Film Council, IFC Films, Portman and Buena Vista International (Ireland).
Directed by Aisling Walsh, SONG FOR A RAGGY BOY tells the powerful story of what happens when William Franklin (Aidan Quinn), is appointed by principal of St. Jude’s Reformatory School as the only lay teacher, amongst a staff of Catholic Brothers. This film picked up a number of awards including the prestigious prize for Best Feature Copenhagen International Film Festival. Released to critical acclaim last year by Abbey Films, it took over €700,000 at the Irish Box office and was produced by Subotica Films with co-financing from BSE/IFB, Royal Bank of Scotland, Zentropa, Danish Film Institute, Eurimages and Lola Films.
Gerry Butler, Chief Operating Officer, Xtra-vision commented “We are delighted to be bringing exclusive Irish titles to the customer, which are proving to be very successful rental titles for Xtra-vision. Due to Hollywood blockbusters taking priority some great Irish movies previously didn’t get a nationwide theatrical release in Ireland. Irish consumers desire choice and range and at Xtra-vision they get that.”
“We are absolutely delighted to see Irish films playing so well with the home audiences and also crossing over and performing well internationally. These successes prove that there is a growing market out there for independent Irish cinema” says Mark Woods, CEO of Bord Scannán na hÉireann.