Norn Iron News From Across the Pond

A short film written, directed, and produced by Queen's University graduate, Conor Clements. This is the first film from Northern Ireland to be premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

James has learnt to be withdrawn and secretive in a family with long buried secrets. Lonely and confused, he is drawn to one of his schoolteachers, Mr Sutherland, focusing on him as the one person who might understand his inner turmoil. When an older man approaches him in a public toilet, James panics and calls his mother, but refuses to tell her what happened. Late that night, James listens to his parents arguing about him. His fathers offhanded dismissal of his mothers concern results in a vicious row. When a devastated James turns to Mr. Sutherland for help, the teachers response leads James to take an irrevocable step.

The Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival held in the US and takes place annually in Utah. Sundance is the premiere showcase for American and international independent filmmakers. It is about time talented filmmakers from Northern Ireland are finally being recognized on the other side of the pond and it's refreshing to see subject matter other than political/religious strife that has typecasted Northern Ireland for so long. Time for something new!

Two Filums From Belfast

A scene from Divorcing Jack showing Belfast's colourful dialect.(Wear headphones NSFW)

Divorcing Jack is an excellent film that for once has shown the lighter side of Belfast coupled with its ever-present dark side, although the portrayal of the paramilitaries and security forces in Belfast was not totally realistic. However this did not take away from the film, as it is more about the situation the star 'Dan Starky' has gotten himself into more than the political situation in Northern Ireland. The cast was excellent especially David Thewlis and Laura Fraser who both had great performances, also they got the accent perfectly. Have a look at it, its well worth it, very funny. -www.imdb.com

50 Dead Men Walking (Released October 2008)

Based on Martin McGartland's shocking real life story, Martin is a young lad from West Belfast in the late 1980s who is recruited by the British Police to spy on the IRA. He works his way up the ranks as a volunteer for the IRA whilst feeding information to his British handler and saving lives in the process; until one day he is exposed, captured and tortured to within an inch of his life. He escaped dramatically by throwing himself from a tower block window and is still in hiding today. -www.imdb.com

Movies From Northern Ireland

When thinking of Northern Ireland, the last thing that comes to mind is that it is the hotbed of mainstream, blockbuster movies. Nevertheless, there have been amazing talent emerging from the Northern Irish film and theater scene such as Liam Neeson who hails from Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Ciaran Hinds from Belfast, and the underrated James Nesbitt from Coleraine. The few movies that I have seen from Northern Ireland have impressed me very much and leaves me wanting more. Main themes are of the political flavor, naturally, but have been presented in a poignant, profound, and edgy manner. And I despise formulaic films, films that are unchallenging and contrite bore the shit out of me. Speaking of contrite, for some reason Norn Iron actors are rarely perform in movies from their homeland which is quite odd. Most are actors from the Republic of Ireland and their lame attempt on the Norn Iron accent is amateur at best. This annoys Craig to no end and cringes his face as if nails are digging across a blackboard.

Below is a list of my favorite Norn Iron films with real Norn Iron actors...

Bloody Sunday(2002)- A film adapted for television, Sunday Bloody Sunday is an accurate portrayal of the civil rights peace march and massacre in Londonderry 1972. James Nesbitt's acting in this film is top notch.

Mickeybo & Me (2004) - Two boys from the opposite sides of the track befriend each other at the height of The Troubles. A poignant film that focuses on the friendship of two young boys and how their relationship changes within the dynamic context of their environment. Ciaran Hinds stars in this movie.

Omagh(2004)- A hauntingly powerful depiction of the aftermath of the 1998 Real IRA bombing that killed 29 people in Omagh, Northern Ireland. The cast gives an outstanding performance.

Finally, the latest film which has won many awards and accolades, Hunger(2008), which depicts the last days of Bobby Sand's life.

I am excited The Belfast Film Festival is in March/April of this year. This event would definitely be worth checking out.