OMAGH BOMB FILM SHORTLISTED FOR MAJOR AWARD
Omagh bomb film shortlisted for major award
RELATIVES of Omagh bomb victims have welcomed news that the feature film, 'Omagh', based on the single worst atrocity of the Troubles, has been shortlisted for the prestigious San Sebastian Film Festival.
Over the weekend it was revealed that the film had been chosen for official competition at the forthcoming festival and has since been described by some of the relatives as 'fantastic recognition'.
The powerful drama is one of just 15 titles worldwide to be shortlisted for the festival's Golden Shell prize.
Based on the Omagh atrocity, the film examines the events and the devastating aftermath of the Real IRA attack which killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins in August 1998.
Describing the recognition as the 'key to change', Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son, Aidan, was killed in the blast, said: "I think the fact that it has got through to the final 15 is a tribute to the people who feel their voices are not always being heard.
"It is good news that the story of Omagh will be heard by a wider audience. A lot more people will learn about it and raise awareness right across the world and awareness is the key to change".
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 worldwide will have the opportunity to see how we dealt with the greatest tragedy of our lives," he said.
Mr Godfrey Wilson, whose daughter, Lorraine, was killed in the atrocity said: "The people who made this film showed the greatest respect for the victims and their families.
"The film portrays the true story of the victims and families, and the struggles in obtaining justice in the fight against terrorism.
"For many this film was very difficult to watch as it brought back many painful memories and feelings of hurt. However, the producers and people involved in the film worked very hard and did their best for us as victims and I hope it goes well for them."
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 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."
The cast was drawn from all parts of Ireland, north and south of the border, and includes Academy Award winner Brenda Fricker and Omagh-based actor Gerard McSorley.
The Hell's Kitchen International/Tiger Aspect production was co-financed by the UK's Channel Four, RTE and Bord Scannan na hEireann/the Irish Film Board (BSE/IFB).
The Donostia-San Sebastian International Film Festival will take place from August 16 to 25.
RELATIVES of Omagh bomb victims have welcomed news that the feature film, 'Omagh', based on the single worst atrocity of the Troubles, has been shortlisted for the prestigious San Sebastian Film Festival.
Over the weekend it was revealed that the film had been chosen for official competition at the forthcoming festival and has since been described by some of the relatives as 'fantastic recognition'.
The powerful drama is one of just 15 titles worldwide to be shortlisted for the festival's Golden Shell prize.
Based on the Omagh atrocity, the film examines the events and the devastating aftermath of the Real IRA attack which killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins in August 1998.
Describing the recognition as the 'key to change', Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son, Aidan, was killed in the blast, said: "I think the fact that it has got through to the final 15 is a tribute to the people who feel their voices are not always being heard.
"It is good news that the story of Omagh will be heard by a wider audience. A lot more people will learn about it and raise awareness right across the world and awareness is the key to change".
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 worldwide will have the opportunity to see how we dealt with the greatest tragedy of our lives," he said.
Mr Godfrey Wilson, whose daughter, Lorraine, was killed in the atrocity said: "The people who made this film showed the greatest respect for the victims and their families.
"The film portrays the true story of the victims and families, and the struggles in obtaining justice in the fight against terrorism.
"For many this film was very difficult to watch as it brought back many painful memories and feelings of hurt. However, the producers and people involved in the film worked very hard and did their best for us as victims and I hope it goes well for them."
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 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."
The cast was drawn from all parts of Ireland, north and south of the border, and includes Academy Award winner Brenda Fricker and Omagh-based actor Gerard McSorley.
The Hell's Kitchen International/Tiger Aspect production was co-financed by the UK's Channel Four, RTE and Bord Scannan na hEireann/the Irish Film Board (BSE/IFB).
The Donostia-San Sebastian International Film Festival will take place from August 16 to 25.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1742
Published Date: 12-Aug-04
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