Irish film Christy wins the Grand Prix of the Generation 14plus International Jury at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale)
Posted: 21st February 2025
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is delighted to congratulate director Brendan Canty, screenwriter Alan O'Gorman, Sleeper Films, and the entire creative team behind Irish film Christy, which has been awarded the Grand Prix of the Generation 14plus International Jury at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale). The film opened the 2025 festival's Generation 14plus section on Friday, 14th February.
The Festival Jury commented:
This film bursts with energy and raw emotion, capturing a teenager’s search for belonging with striking realism. The director’s deep bond with the community shines through and makes every frame feel alive and fresh. With stunning performances from non-actors and heartfelt intensity, it moves us deeply – leaving us both shaken and smiling when leaving the cinema."
Christy is written by Alan O'Gorman and directed by Brendan Canty in his feature film debut, which tells the story of two estranged brothers with chequered childhoods in the care system which suddenly find themselves living under the same roof. They must now reconcile with their pasts and make decisions about the future. The film is based on Canty's 2019 short film of the same name, funded through Screen Ireland's flagship Focus Shorts scheme.
The film stars Danny Power, Diarmuid Noyes and Emma Willis, with Chris Walley, Alison Oliver and Helen Behan also in the cast. The film is produced by Sleeper Films, and is supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and BBC Film.
Wildcard Distribution will be releasing the film in Irish cinemas this year.