THE Kinsale-based director behind the award-winning film Christy, which picked up four awards at the recent IFTA awards has said it’s very ‘humbling’ and ‘special’ to be recognised by his peers in the industry.
Not only did the Cork-city shot film win Best Film but Brendan Canty also won the Best Director award, while Amy Rowan won the Best Casting award and Allyn Quigley won the award for Best Editing. Christy led this year’s nominations with 14, which included first-time acting nominees Daniel Power as well as Jamie Forde and Emma Willis.
The film tells the story of Christy (Daniel Power) who is seeking independence after coming out of the foster system, and was filmed in Knocknaheeny in Cork city. Speaking to The Southern Star, a delighted Brendan said last Friday’s awards was an incredible night for him and all associated with the movie.
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‘It was so humbling and so nice to get the recognition from the industry, not just for me but for all of us. This film was such a communal project and it means so much to so many people, and so many put so much into it,’ he said.
‘It’s so nice to get best film in Ireland which is unbelievable really, for our first feature film, with so many first-time actors. We were ecstatic and it was such a lovely night, perhaps maybe the last night ever for the whole Christy crew so it was really special to end the journey that way.’
He added it was also very special to be there among the giants of the Irish film industry including Neil Jordan, who presented him with his award.
On accepting the Best Film award, writer Alan O’Gorman said the film is about foster care, and that it is important to destigmatise myths about people in care.
Christy is also up for the LUX Audience Award organised by the European Parliament, and voting is open to the public until April 12th.
Meanwhile, Brendan will be showing his award-wining film in the Shane Fitzsimons Riverside Theatre in Kinsale Community School as part of Kinsale Film Series and Filmmaker Talks on Thursday March 19th.
Following the screening a Q&A with Brendan will take place where he will offer insights into his creative process and the making of the film.
The film will screen at 7pm and tickets are €15, and available from Eventbrite.ie
