The topical themes of rural isolation and farmers living in fear as they deal with intruders, are tackled by Galway-based independent production company, Maglite Films, in its new short film ‘Where The Old Man Lives’.
The short film will have its world premiere at the prestigious Oscars-qualifying Edmonton International Film Festival in Canada.
Poignantly inspired by true events, the film explores themes of rural isolation, resilience, and the profound impact of losing one’s sense of security.
Its world premiere will take place on Friday, September 27, at 6:00p.m, at the Landmark Cinema, Edmonton, in the heart of the Canadian Prairies.
Written and produced by Ruaidhrí Hallinan and Eamonn Keane of Maglite Films in Galway, ‘Where The Old Man Lives’ stars renowned Irish playwright, novelist, actor and poet, Michael Harding, well-known for his roles both on stage and screen.
Harding plays alongside acclaimed Irish actress Ruth McCabe, whose feature film works include ‘My Left Foot’, ‘The Field’, ‘The Snapper’ and ‘Philomena.’
It also stars Cork actor Michael Patric, known for his roles in ‘The Quiet Girl’ (2023), ‘Smother’ (2021), ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ (2017), ‘Frontier’ (2016), ‘Primeval’ (2013), and ‘Becoming Jane’ (2007).
Directed by Sonya O’Donoghue, with Niall O’Connor as director of photography, and IFTA-winning Sarah Lynch as film composer, the short was filmed in four locations across Gort, Oranmore and Clarinbridge in Co. Galway.
Pre-production ran from late August 2023 to late January this year, with post-production wrapped by the end of April.
The short features a 12-strong cast, with up to 100 extras, and was produced on a budget of just €30,000. It is expected that the film will be shown in this country over the coming months.
‘Where The Old Man Lives’ is a compelling and introspective film that delves into the life of Michael Harding, an elderly man living alone on an isolated farm in Ireland.
Through the lens of Michael’s journey, the film examines the fragility of the human psyche and the longing for a world turned upside down, to be made right once more.
Mayo natives Hallinan and Keane first met in 2021 and began scriptwriting together the following year. Individually, they have enjoyed their own successes.
Hallinan is a writer, producer, and creative enthusiast, originally from Carnacon in Co. Mayo.
He won the 2023 Ardán & RTÉ Short Film Commission for ‘Remote Strutting’, showcasing his diversity in writing styles.
It premiered at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh in July and has been selected for several others, as well as being shortlisted for best European short film.
Kilmaine’s Keane, meanwhile, is an award-winning film director who started his first production company back in 2015.
Yewtree Productions specialised in short film making and produced concept shorts and location scouting for overseas productions.
His first short film ‘Rapacious’ debuted at the 31st Galway Film Fleadh and went on to screen at some major film festivals worldwide, picking up best short film at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2019.
He is also a writer and producer who was a finalist three years running at the prestigious Galway Film Fleadh Pitching Competition from 2015-2017.
Speaking ahead of the world premiere, co-writer and co-producer Eamonn Keane said they were delighted to be bringing ‘Where The Old Man Lives’ to Edmonton International Film Festival for its world premiere.
As well as being an Oscars-qualifying festival, this is one of the most widely-respected festivals globally.
“It attracts audiences of 15,000+, and shows approximately 160 films out of more than 2,400 entries. It’s a great honour to be selected and our journey starts here for the film, which is marvellous,” he said.
Focusing on the film, Keane’s co-writer and co-producer, Ruaidhrí Hallinan, explained said it was a film they really wanted to make.
“It delves into characters and the intricacies of the human condition, looking at the theme of rural isolation, and exploring the profound impact it can have on individuals.
“It illuminates the realities of rural life and the fear of living alone. We both grew up in rural Ireland and can identify with the characters and their stories.
“We’ve heard the stories and seen the consequences. We know about the fear that is present in so many communities, but we have never seen it brought to life on screen and we felt this was a story that needed – and deserved – to be told,” he said.