A historical action film which was shot in Donegal is to have its television premiere on TG4 this Easter.
The star-studded Aithrí/Penance features many local faces as extras in scenes shot in Ramelton, Carrigart, Golan and other parts of Donegal in 2016.
There is sure to be a lot of local interest in the Irish TV premiere of Derry-based filmmaker Tom Collins’ work on Saturday 20th April at 8.55pm.
Inspired by a short story from Pádraic Ó Conaire, ‘Aithrí/Penance’ tells the story of priest Eoin O’Donnell played by ‘Love/Hate’ star Peter Coonan, who recruits impressionable teenager Antaine to fight the British in 1916. Fifty years later violence travels full circle when seasoned gunman Antaine returns seeking vengeance. The film also stars Barry Barnes and Gerard McSorley.
Aithrí/Penance. Image via Tg4
Speaking after the announcement of the TG4 screening, Tom Collins said: “The screening of the film on TG4 offers the audience a chance to engage with a story about characters in an extraordinary situation, as they deal with the historic roots of today’s partition.”
Watch the advert here:
Produced by Derry based DeFacto Films and Edwina Forkin’s, Zanzibar Films, ‘Aithrí/Penance’, is produced and directed by Collins and co-written with Greg Ó Braonáin. Collins’ previous credits include ‘Kings’, ‘An Bronntannas’ and ‘An Béal Bocht’.
Shot in Derry and Donegal, the film is supported by TG4, BAI, Fís Éireann (Irish Film Board), the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Northern Ireland Screen and Section 481.
On the upcoming premiere, TG4 Commissioning Editor, Máire Ní Chonláin said: “TG4 is delighted to be screening the TV premiere of ‘Aithrí’ this Easter. This was a very ambitious project, with a wonderful cast and crew. Taking inspiration from Ireland’s challenging history and giving stories a contemporary twist has always been part of TG4’s ‘Súil Eile’, or alternative view on Irish life and this gripping film achieves that admirably.”