IFB CEO James Hickey comments on John Michael McDonagh's recent remarks with regard to the Irish film Calvary
James Hickey, Chief Executive Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board: "’Calvary’ is a great Irish film, telling an exciting and challenging Irish story with Irish creative talent in front and behind the camera. Central to ‘Calvary’ is the extraordinary performance from Brendan Gleeson and the high quality of work showcased by Irish cast and crew. ‘Calvary’ follows on from John Michael McDonagh’s wonderful Irish film ‘The Guard’ which also starred Brendan Gleeson and the work of a wide selection of Irish cast and crew. The IFB supported both films which are culturally Irish stories featuring Irish talent throughout, and is happy to have done so. The excellent work of Irish cast and crew has contributed to making ‘Calvary’ and ‘The Guard’ the high quality films they are, which have been seen by audiences in Ireland and all over the world.”
“The Irish film industry continues to grow from strength to strength, with Irish creative talent gaining international recognition at the highest levels of the industry at all levels of production. Filmmakers and the creative talent behind Irish films such as ‘The Stag’, ‘Frank’, ‘What Richard Did’, ‘The Secret of Kells’, ‘Pilgrim Hill’, ‘The Hardy Bucks Movie’, ‘Good Vibrations’ and ‘The Summit’ amongst many others are being recognised across the globe for their excellent work. Exciting upcoming Irish films to look forward to include ‘Brooklyn’ directed by John Crowley with Saoirse Ronan and Domhnall Gleeson, ‘Glassland’ directed by Gerard Barrett starring Jack Reynor and the animated feature film ‘Song of The Sea’ directed by Tomm Moore.”
'Calvary' premiered at the Sundance film festival and has been distributed internationally by Fox Searchlight Pictures. The film was directed by John Michael McDonagh and stars Brendan Gleeson as Father James, a good-natured priest who, after being threatened during confession, must battle the dark forces closing in around him. Gleeson is joined by an ensemble cast including Chris O’Dowd, Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen, Dylan Moran, M. Emmet Walsh, Domhnall Gleeson, Pat Shortt and David McSavage. The film has earned critical acclaim and strong box office following its European release in April and US release in August. The film has also won prizes at the Berlin International Film Festival, IFTAs and Transylvania International Film Festival.