Irish filmmaker targets first movie on 1916 Rising

Award-winning producer Kevin McCann has returned to the U.S. to raise funds for "The Rising," the first feature film to look at how the 1916 rebellion in Ireland led to a new republic. The Irish Film Board is funding some of the projects development, which includes Kevin's current six city tour of the U.S. This final push for funding comes after a development period of almost three years. The film is anticipated to start production towards the end of this year and be released to a global cinema audience in 2016, the centenary year of the historic event.

The film will focus on what is arguable the most defining historical event in twentieth century Ireland. In 1916, a small rebellion took place to free Ireland from centuries of oppressive imperial rule. It was known as the ‘Easter Rising’. ‘The Rising’ looks at events leading to and including the rebellion and may be seen as the prequel to the films ‘Michael Collins’ and ‘The Wind that shakes the Barley’. (These films deal with the later events of the War of Independence and the civil war in Ireland)

The central character is Seán MacDiarmada, the hero to Michael Collins and mastermind of the Easter Rising. He was the last of the leaders to be executed, aged 33, alongside James Connolly. On the eve of his execution, in his last letter, he wrote, “I feel happiness the like of which I never experienced in my life before …… I die that the Irish Nation might live.”

Two notable actors have already be lined up for the production. David O’Hara whose credits include The Departed and Braveheart, and Northern Irish born Colin Morgan, who will star in AMC series Humans later this year.

Other contributors to the film's funding to date include Northern Ireland Screen, Cavan County Council, Leitrim County Council, donations from the U.S and crowd-funding (from 35 different countries). It is hoped that this final call for funding will ensure that the film goes into production. McCann will be in Boston this week before visiting several other cities across the country.

Anyone interested in meeting with McCann during his time in the U.S. or discussing sponsorship or credited investment should call him on 917 371 5562 or email : [email protected]

Further information can also be found at therising.ie or at facebook.com/1916movie page.