FESTIVAL SHORTLISTS FILM ON OMAGH
Festival shortlists film on Omagh
IRISH feature film Omagh, based on the worst single atrocity of the Troubles, has been selected for official competition at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
The drama is one of 15 titles worldwide to be shortlisted for the festival's Golden Shell prize. It examines the events and the devastating aftermath of the Real IRA attack which killed 29 people in August, 1998.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aiden was killed in the blast, said the recognition was "absolutely fantastic".
The film focuses on the Gallagher family's struggle to come to terms with the bombing and, in particular, Michael's experiences as the reluctant spokesman for the Omagh relatives group.
He said the crew had done an extraordinary job in recapturing the atrocity.
"I am over the moon that the film is making its mark and I'm pleased that people across the world will have the opportunity to see how we dealt with the greatest tragedy of our lives," he said.
The feature-length documentary was written by Guy Hibbert and Paul Greengrass, directed by Peter Travis and produced by Ed Guiney and Mr Greengrass.
Mr Guiney said he was delighted to have been recognised by one of the premier festivals of the autumn season.
"San Sebastian is in the Basque region so it is even more relevant as local people will understand the context of the film," he said.
"It is great to be coming from one country to be screened in another which has so recently suffered bereavement.
"Our plan with the film was always to get it out to an international audience. It's such a powerful story which people in Ireland already know too well."
IRISH feature film Omagh, based on the worst single atrocity of the Troubles, has been selected for official competition at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
The drama is one of 15 titles worldwide to be shortlisted for the festival's Golden Shell prize. It examines the events and the devastating aftermath of the Real IRA attack which killed 29 people in August, 1998.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aiden was killed in the blast, said the recognition was "absolutely fantastic".
The film focuses on the Gallagher family's struggle to come to terms with the bombing and, in particular, Michael's experiences as the reluctant spokesman for the Omagh relatives group.
He said the crew had done an extraordinary job in recapturing the atrocity.
"I am over the moon that the film is making its mark and I'm pleased that people across the world will have the opportunity to see how we dealt with the greatest tragedy of our lives," he said.
The feature-length documentary was written by Guy Hibbert and Paul Greengrass, directed by Peter Travis and produced by Ed Guiney and Mr Greengrass.
Mr Guiney said he was delighted to have been recognised by one of the premier festivals of the autumn season.
"San Sebastian is in the Basque region so it is even more relevant as local people will understand the context of the film," he said.
"It is great to be coming from one country to be screened in another which has so recently suffered bereavement.
"Our plan with the film was always to get it out to an international audience. It's such a powerful story which people in Ireland already know too well."
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/560
Published Date: 07-Aug-04
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