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Clonakilty husband and wife make their film debut

December 4th, 2015 10:50 PM

By Jackie Keogh

William Barrett

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Despite having no acting experience, Dolores and William Barrett didn’t hesitate in agreeing to star in a film which was partly shot in Clonakilty.

DESPITE having no acting experience, Dolores and William Barrett didn’t hesitate in agreeing to star in a film which was partly shot in Clonakilty.

The movie ‘59’ is the brainchild of Glanmire-based filmmakers Carmel Barrett and Girish Patel and has just been released worldwide on DVD.

‘It was both our first ever time acting, never mind actually starring in a film, but I must say I really enjoyed it. It was a memorable experience and we had so much fun while filming it,’ Dolores Barrett told The Southern Star.

‘Girish is my sister’s partner and he asked me would I like to be in it and my husband William had no problem volunteering, despite him not having any acting experience!’

Parts of the film were shot in Clonakilty in May 2014 and also inside Dolores’s house and outside, as well as in Garryvoe and Cork. 

William plays the part of Finbarr the mechanic, and Dolores plays the role of a heavenly goddess.

It tells the story of a washed-up over 50s teacher who having lost everything is guided to rural Ireland by his guardian angel. 

He then meets Finbarr and then teams up with a feisty pensioner Jack and a feisty Kathleen in an audacious plan to win a £1m song contest against today’s young talent. And a celestial goddess, played by Dolores is waiting to help when things get rough. 

‘What this film is really about is telling audiences that it’s never too late to reach for your dream. I’ve met so many people who, upon reaching the age of 50 or more, have given up on their dreams and I want people to believe that nothing is impossible,’ said director Girish.

‘We shot most of the film in Ireland and with almost an all-Irish cast, including Dolores and William.’

Both Dolores and William and the rest of the cast attended the world premiere of the film in Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork last year and they are all excited that the film is now getting a worldwide DVD release.

‘59’ is now available on Amazon.com/girishpatel59.The music video for the Christmas song, ‘A Christmas Night’ is on YouTube/girishpaul59

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