"An Taibhse" (The Ghost), the first ever Irish language horror feature film, is set to premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh in July.
Set during the tail end of the Great Famine, the story explores the severe challenges of post-famine Ireland, where societal collapse left many vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and violence. By intertwining historical reality with the supernatural, "An Taibhse" sheds light on the resilience and suffering of those grappling with these hidden evils as they sought to rebuild their lives amidst the lingering devastation.
The story takes place in Ireland in 1852. Éamon (Tom Kerrisk) and his daughter Máire (Livvy Hill) embark on a seemingly tranquil caretaker role at an isolated Georgian Mansion during the harsh winter months. Little do they know that their peaceful assignment will unleash a nightmare of supernatural proportions. As the bitter winds pierce through the desolate landscape, a malevolent force awakens, stirring dark secrets from within.
Written, directed and produced by Irish filmmaker John Farrelly, "An Taibhse" introduces the Irish language to new audiences in an innovative and engaging manner.
Farrelly envisioned a film set in a period where the Irish language was widely spoken, striving to enhance the authenticity and immersive experience of the story.
He hopes to inspire other filmmakers and content creators to incorporate the Irish language into their projects, fostering a richer, more diverse cultural landscape.
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The film began as a university project while Farrelly was studying in Derry. Created with the help of Farrelly's university friends, the short film evolved into a captivating feature film that promises to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
The entirely self-funded feature was shot on a modest budget of €3,000, which required everyone working on the project - a dedicated cast and crew of only 11 people - to wear multiple hats on the film.
Farrelly not only produced, wrote, directed, and shot the film, but also took on the tasks of editing and color grading. Hill created her own makeup and costumes from scratch, while Kerrisk did the same and also composed the music alongside Ally Donald.
Cathal Fitzpatrick served as the 1st AD, gaffer, puppeteer, and first camera assistant. Boom operator Tom Stafford also took on a small acting role in the film. This willingness to juggle multiple responsibilities highlights the collaborative and resourceful nature of the team.
The cast's journey in bringing the Irish language to life on screen was both challenging and rewarding. Tom Kerrisk embraced the task of learning Ulster Irish, a dialect distinct from his own. For Livvy Hill, the challenge was even more formidable. Having no prior experience with the Irish language, she had to learn her lines phonetically in a short amount of time.
Rebecca Monaghan handled the Irish translations and worked closely with the cast on dialogue and pronunciation, ensuring that the language was accurately represented and that the actors delivered their lines with authenticity and confidence.
"What began as a simple university project has grown into something bigger than any of us could have imagined. The support and collaboration of my university friends have been incredible, and seeing our film selected for the Galway Film Fleadh is a dream come true. We poured our hearts into this project, and we can't wait to share it with the world," said Farrelly.
"It has always been my dream to have a film play at the Galway Film Fleadh. Having 'An Taibhse' selected for the festival is an incredible honor and a significant milestone in my career. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the project. "
"An Taibhse" will premiere at the Pálás Cinema in Galway on July 11th at 10pm. For more information, visit https://www.galwayfilmfleadh.com.
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