A TG4 film titled ‘Penance’ has begun filming this week, with key scenes being filmed in Ramelton.
Filming also took place in Carrigart and Golan.
The drama will be overseen by Tommy Collins, one of Ireland’s most esteemed directors.
‘Penance’ will follow the young Father Eoin O’Donnell who uses his influence over the parishioners to promote Pearse’s ‘blood sacrifice’ ideology in the lead up to Easter 1916, especially on one teenage boy called Antaine. Both men come together again in 1969 in Derry to re-examine their shared past.
Peter Coonan is known for his role as Fran Cooney in RTÉ drama ‘Love Hate’
Speaking to the Irish Film Board, Peter Coonan, who will play the protagonist says; “I was attracted to this role primarily because of the challenge it posed but also because it was a chance to dive into the psyche of a man in 1916 Ireland. The fact that it happens to be a priest is just another interesting layer that makes it a really exciting role for an actor.”
Tommy Collins’ 2007 film ‘Kings’ was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Forgein Language Film as it was filmed in the Irish language. Collins also won the Director’s Guild of America / Ireland New Finders Award in 2007. His film ‘The Gift/An Bronntanas’ in 2014 was also nominated for the same Oscar.
Minister Joe McHugh caught up with some of the cast in Ramelton
He has also worked on many documentaries throughout his career, such as ‘The Boys of St Columb’s’ (2009) which featured Seamus Heaney, ‘More than a Sacrifice’ (1996), and ‘A Mother’s Story’, (1999).
The set and props