New Irish film King Frankie to be released in Irish and UK cinemas this year
Posted: 27th February 2024
New Irish film King Frankie, the feature debut of writer/director Dermot Malone starring Peter Coonan (Love/Hate, Bad Sisters), is set for a theatrical release later this year. The film, which had its world premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival to critical acclaim last week, will be released in Irish and UK cinemas by Wildcard Distribution.
Frankie (Coonan) is a Dublin taxi driver who runs his own taxi firm. On the day of his father’s removal, he comes face to face with something that happened ten years ago, and the first thing that he must do is forgive himself. Described by the filmmakers as a “Celtic Tiger tale you have not seen”, King Frankie is a redemption story about those who not only make promises but also keep them.
Speaking about the news, director/writer Dermot Malone said:
Teaming up with Wildcard to bring our film to cinemas is a dream come true. I hope people find a connection with Frankie and can take from his story. Everyone deserves a second chance.”
Patrick O’Neill, MD Wildcard Distribution added:
Dermot is a fresh and emerging new Irish filmmaking talent and everyone at Wildcard is excited to be collaborating with him on his fantastic debut King Frankie. We hope it marks the start of a long relationship with Dermot and the team at Banjoman. We’re also looking forward to working with Peter Coonan again having released a number of his films over the years."
The cast includes Conor MacNeill (The Sixth Commandment), Ruairi O'Connor (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It), Lynn Rafferty (Taken Down), Olivia Caffrey (Trivia), Ally Ni Chiarain (Calm with Horses), and Owen Roe (Michael Collins). The film also marks rapper Rejjie Snow’s acting debut.
Shot on location in North County Dublin and County Meath, King Frankie was produced by Matt D’Arcy for Banjoman and is in receipt of completion funding from Fís Eíreann / Screen Ireland. Banjoman was awarded Irish Production Company of the Year at the Kinsale Shark Awards in both 2021 and 2022.
Wildcard Distribution will release King Frankie in Irish and UK cinemas later this year.