Film shot on Cork's northside wins big at Irish film awards

Award-winning Cork-born director Brendan Canty has said recognition at the recent Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) awards was “surreal and humbling”.

The awards ceremony, which took place last Friday at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, saw several Cork-linked films and TV shows honoured, including Christy, Saipan, and The Young Offenders, as well as Hamnet, Blue Lights and Trespasses on a national scale.

Mr Canty was among several winners for Christy, seeing the Kinsale native recognised with Best Director, alongside colleagues Daniel Power, who won Lead Actor, Allyn Quigley who won for editing and Amy Rowan who won for casting, as well as the piece being awarded the title of Best Film.

Cork actor Éanna Hardwicke was also awarded for his leading role as Roy Keane in Saipan, as well as Chris Walley, who won for his supporting role in the fourth season of The Young Offenders.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Canty said while he didn’t expect a win on the night, it was “a lovely surprise”.

“We’re on a high after it to be honest, it feels really good to be recognised like this in Ireland,” said Mr Canty.

“Since the film came out, especially in Ireland, people have been so warm and supportive – it seems like they’ve been really batting for it.

“The way it was made, it was such a communal project, there were so many first-time actors and everyone had ownership of it.

“To be recognised in the way we were was so special – it was surreal and really humbling,” he added.

“I didn’t expect it, I thought we had a chance, but it was a lovely surprise.

“I'm definitely not going to stop making films and TV now, I’ve got wind in my sails, so I’ve got to keep sailing.”

Mr Canty’s father, Greg Canty also expressed how proud the family is of Brendan’s achievement, saying “this was no accident”.

“While this probably feels like a bolt out of the blue, being his first movie, he has been so focused,” he said.

“He has been perfecting his craft ever since the ‘Take me to Church’ music video with Hozier.

“The amazing thing with Brendan is he has a huge affinity and understanding of stories – he has been particularly drawn to the northside of Cork – he loved going up there on bonfire night to take pictures.

“The film in a weird way captures who he is – his craft and the magic of storytelling – and the final scene being bonfire night, it’s a full loop to everything.

“We’re absolutely proud of him, it’s amazing.”