Ballywalter coming to Irish and UK cinemas this September
Posted: 9th August 2023
Break Out Pictures and Elysian Group have announced today that Ballywalter, Prasanna Puwanarajah's directorial film debut, will be opening in Irish and UK cinemas on 22nd September. This announcement comes with the release of a new trailer and official artwork for the bittersweet comedy-drama. Set in Belfast, Ballywalter stars Seána Kerslake (Bad Sisters) in a critically acclaimed, IFTA-nominated performance, and comedian Patrick Kielty in his first dramatic role. Fís Eíreann/Screen Ireland is proud to support this life affirming story about the unexpected connections that can change the course of our lives.
Eileen (Seána Kerslake) is a caustic, unrepentant University drop-out whose dreams of a successful life in London have fallen by the wayside. Back at home with her mum, she makes ends meet by working as an unlicensed driver in her ex-boyfriend’s minicab.
Shane (Patrick Kielty) has exiled himself in Ballywalter following the break-up of his marriage, but now he’s trying to get his life back on track by enrolling in a stand-up comedy course. When Shane calls a taxi to get him to his classes, Eileen answers and a surprising connection is made. As the two spend time together shuttling back and forth, a beautiful friendship develops, leading both to a moment of realisation.
Shane reintegrates; Eileen makes peace with herself and who she really is. Finally, she can stop running and just drive.
Watch the trailer below:
British Sri Lankan director Prasanna Puwanarajah felt a particular connection to the screenplay and characters for Ballywalter created by Belfast writer Stacey Gregg (Here Before), as he explains:
There’s something about the three-dimensional humaneness of her characters colliding with a freewheeling sense of humour and beautiful, delicate pathos that struck a particular harmony with me when we started working together over 10 years ago.”
They had collaborated previously on Spoof or Die for Channel 4’s Coming Up series, and both share a post-conflict heritage which Prasanna was drawn to:
As soon as I came to Northern Ireland, there was something I recognised in the way the people lived with their history. I connected with the rhythms and the humour in a way that surprised me initially and that later on I completely fell into. It felt like a recognisable and familiar place to me.” #
Ballywalter is produced by James Bierman (Genius) and Nik Bower (Selma) and co-produced by Alan Maher and John Wallace. It is an Empire Street Productions and Riverstone Pictures production, in co-production with Cowtown Pictures, and is financed by the BFI Film Fund, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and Salmira Productions.