Irish-language film 'An Cailín Ciúin' has been been selected by IFTA to be Ireland's entry in the 'Best International Feature Film' at the Oscars.
The superb film premiered back in February, before opening at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival - being awarded Best Irish Film and Audience Award at the festival.
It was well-received in Irish and British cinemas too, grossing €800,000 at the box office to date for director Colm Bairéad and producer Cleona Ní Chrualaoi.
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Set in 1981, the flick tells the story of Kate (Catherine Clinch) - a nine-year-old girl from an overcrowded, dysfunctional family who is sent away to live with foster parents for the summer.
Despite a warm welcome from the woman, Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), the man of the house, Seán (Andrew Bennett), stayed away from Cáit, and she from him, but over time a friendship began to strengthen between them.
Slowly, under the care of the Kinsellas, Cáit blossoms and finds a new way of life. But in this house where there should be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth.
It took home eight IFTAs, and will now be put forward for the biggest award ceremony in film.
Mary Ellen Ní Chualáin, Commissioning Manager TG4 said: "An Cailín Ciúin has had an impact on everyone who has seen it to date, both here at home and with audiences around the world in Britain, Europe, New Zealand, Taiwan and Australia. The Cine4 scheme is succeeding in developing Irish language cinema and all of us in TG4 are extremely proud of that."
Máire Ní Chonláin, Executive Producer TG4 said, "It is because of Colm and Cleona's vision and talent that An Cailín Ciún was chosen as Ireland's entry for the Oscars. They have created a classic film with the best actors and crew involved. I congratulate them wholeheartedly on this nomination."
Writer/Director, Colm Bairéad and Producer, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal said "We are honoured beyond words that An Cailín Ciúin has been selected as Ireland's entry for the 95th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
"Our heartfelt thanks to IFTA and its selection committee.
"We have always believed in the idea that an Irish-language film could stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of world cinema and we feel so proud to be representing our country and our language in this way.
"None of this would have been possible without the vision of TG4, Screen Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, who co-funded the Cine4 feature film initiative, which has created a new wave of Irish-language cinema that is being recognised around the world"
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