A new mural celebrating the Oscar-winning short film "An Irish Goodbye" has been unveiled in Belfast.
The artwork is located on Winetavern Street in the Smithfield area and was created by Derry-based street arts collective Peaball, part of the same team behind the iconic Derry Girls mural.
The mural was launched at a special event attended by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray and the cast and crew of the film. The unveiling was part of Belfast City Council's Belfast 2024 celebration of culture.
“Belfast 2024 is all about highlighting and showcasing our city’s creativity and we couldn’t let it happen without paying tribute to one of our greatest creative success stories – 'An Irish Goodbye,'” said Councillor Murray.
“The film really put our local film sector on the map when it picked up both BAFTA and Academy Awards last year, so this is a fitting tribute to a creative collaboration which has done so much to promote Belfast on a world stage.
“Well done to the Peaball crew on creating another really striking and memorable piece of art. The location is perfect too - directly overlooking the site of Belfast Stories, the new home for storytelling and screen in our city when it opens in 2030.”
"An Irish Goodbye" tells the story of two feuding brothers from rural Co Tyrone following the death of their mother.
The short movie, directed by Tom Berkeley and Ross White, won Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards and Best British Short Film at the BAFTAs in 2023.
The colorful mural depicts Berkeley and White, as well as the film's actors James Martin, Seamus O’Hara and Paddy Jenkins. It also includes nods to the movie's iconic scenes, including the famous balloons used by the brothers as part of their mother’s final farewell.
“All of us behind 'An Irish Goodbye' are totally honoured that Belfast City Council have decided to pay tribute to the film’s success in this touching way,” said directors Berkeley and White.
“The people of Belfast were behind us every step of the way of this little film’s incredible journey, from its humble beginnings on a farm in Templepatrick, all the way to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
“As surreal as it is for the team to see our faces 10ft high across a wall, Peaball’s wonderful artwork will hopefully go on to serve as a constant reminder of all the love, support and hard work that so many put into this film.”
The mural is the latest addition to the city’s eclectic street art collection funded by council.
“'An Irish Goodbye' is a fantastic addition to Belfast's street art scene, honoring the film's Oscar win and showcasing the talent of our team at Peaball,” said a spokesperson of the collective.
“It's a proud moment for the city, highlighting this historic Oscar win and the city’s famous creative spirit.”
Comments