A Northern Irish short film has been nominated for an award at this year's BAFTAs.
An Irish Goodbye, written and directed by East Belfast filmmaker Ross White and his creative partner Tom Berkeley, is one of the five nominees selected for the 'Best British Short Film' category.
The film was also recently shortlisted in the top 15 in the 'Live Action Short' category at the 2023 Oscars and is the only UK and Irish film to feature on the list.
Read more: Northern Irish short film shortlisted in the top 15 for upcoming Oscars
Set against the backdrop of a working farm in rural Northern Ireland, An Irish Goodbye is a black comedy following the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan following the untimely death of their mother.
Under the watchful eye of odd-ball parish priest Father O’Shea, the brothers’ pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome.
A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcan’s dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides he’s sending him to live with their Aunt on the other side of Ireland.
But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: he’ll only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have themselves completed every single wish on their mother’s list…all one hundred of them.
The film stars Seamus O’Hara (The Northman, Game of Thrones), James Martin (Marcella, Ups and Downs), Paddy Jenkins (Hunger) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Fortitude).
Writers and Directors Tom Berkeley and Ross White said: "We're absolutely over the moon to be honoured in this way alongside such a remarkable list of filmmakers.
"Thanks to our dedicated cast and crew this project has been a truly heartening experience from start to finish, and it's a dream come true to know that our wee film is really resonating with audiences.
"Our sincere thanks go to BAFTA - we cannot wait to celebrate this remarkable year of cinema at the Royal Festival Hall next month."
Reacting to the nomination, Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen said: “Everyone at Northern Ireland Screen is delighted for Ross and Tom and the entire team who made this beautiful short film. A BAFTA nomination is a tremendous endorsement to receive from industry, especially at this early stage in their careers.
"Short films are all about new talent and storytelling and with An Irish Goodbye, Northern Ireland Screen got to support a brilliant package of new talent and pitch perfect storytelling. We wish the team behind An Irish Goodbye the best of luck for the awards next month."
The BAFTA awards will take place on February 19 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, London
READ NEXT:
New documentary to look at the impact of peace walls on post-conflict generation
New Blade Runner series set to be filmed in Northern Ireland
Young NI actors wanted for new Sky movie filming in Belfast in 2023
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
