AWARD WINNING 'OMAGH' BOMB FILM TO BE SHOWN AROUND THE WORLD
Award-winning 'Omagh' bomb film to be shown around the world
by Claire Anthony
THE award-winning 'Omagh' film, which centres on the tragic events of August 15, 1998, is currently enjoying international success and is to be shown around the world in the coming months.
'Omagh', which was directed by Pete Travis, achieved critical acclaim when it was first screened on RTE and Channel Four earlier this year. Starring Omagh-born actor, Gerard McSorley, in the role of bereaved father, Michael Gallagher, it tells the story of that awful day, and the subsequent struggle of the families to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mr Gallagher, who is chairman of Omagh Self Help and Support Group, which was set up in the aftermath of he bomb, attended the awards ceremony in San Sebastian, in the Basque region of northern Spain.
He said: "I am delighted to see the film win this award. To win an award at the San Sebastian Film Festival has particular poignancy, as the conflict in the Basque region has similarities with that in Northern Ireland."
He continued "At the official screening of 'Omagh' on Wednesday, the Mayor of San Sebastian greeted us personally and made us feel very welcome. I was quite overwhelmed when an audience of 1,800 turned up to view the film.
"It is wonderful that the film has now picked up awards on both sides of the Atlantic and has been viewed by tens of thousands worldwide."
Following on from this success, it has been revealed that the film has secured distribution deals for cinemas in France, Italy, Canada, Argentina and Benelux countries. It has been shown at the Dinard Film Festival in northern France, and has also been entered for festivals in Flanders and Stockholm.
In addition, 'Omagh' has been nominated for a string of honours at the forthcoming Irish Film and Television Awards. The production is in line for best Irish film, while stars, Gerard McSorley and Michele Forbes, have been nominated in the best actor and actress categories.
Pete Travis is in the running for best director, and scriptwriters Guy Hibbert and Paul Greengrass will also be waiting with bated breath to find out if their script has scooped an award.
The ceremony is to be held on October 30 and will be broadcast on November 1.
The film's producers are said to be delighted that the story of the Omagh families is to be brought to an international audience, given the continuing resonance that the atrocity has in today's society.
by Claire Anthony
THE award-winning 'Omagh' film, which centres on the tragic events of August 15, 1998, is currently enjoying international success and is to be shown around the world in the coming months.
'Omagh', which was directed by Pete Travis, achieved critical acclaim when it was first screened on RTE and Channel Four earlier this year. Starring Omagh-born actor, Gerard McSorley, in the role of bereaved father, Michael Gallagher, it tells the story of that awful day, and the subsequent struggle of the families to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mr Gallagher, who is chairman of Omagh Self Help and Support Group, which was set up in the aftermath of he bomb, attended the awards ceremony in San Sebastian, in the Basque region of northern Spain.
He said: "I am delighted to see the film win this award. To win an award at the San Sebastian Film Festival has particular poignancy, as the conflict in the Basque region has similarities with that in Northern Ireland."
He continued "At the official screening of 'Omagh' on Wednesday, the Mayor of San Sebastian greeted us personally and made us feel very welcome. I was quite overwhelmed when an audience of 1,800 turned up to view the film.
"It is wonderful that the film has now picked up awards on both sides of the Atlantic and has been viewed by tens of thousands worldwide."
Following on from this success, it has been revealed that the film has secured distribution deals for cinemas in France, Italy, Canada, Argentina and Benelux countries. It has been shown at the Dinard Film Festival in northern France, and has also been entered for festivals in Flanders and Stockholm.
In addition, 'Omagh' has been nominated for a string of honours at the forthcoming Irish Film and Television Awards. The production is in line for best Irish film, while stars, Gerard McSorley and Michele Forbes, have been nominated in the best actor and actress categories.
Pete Travis is in the running for best director, and scriptwriters Guy Hibbert and Paul Greengrass will also be waiting with bated breath to find out if their script has scooped an award.
The ceremony is to be held on October 30 and will be broadcast on November 1.
The film's producers are said to be delighted that the story of the Omagh families is to be brought to an international audience, given the continuing resonance that the atrocity has in today's society.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1765
Published Date: 07-Oct-04
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.