FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Q: What was the genesis of this film, and how did it evolve over the course of development to production and completion?

"I was hungry to do something different as an actor. I wanted to explore mental health within a love story, and I knew I’d have to help make it happen as a producer.

I brought the idea to Dylan Stagno, a writer from Darndale, the same council estate I grew up in. I loved his writing, particularly his flair for comedy. With my own mental health battles and having lost my father to suicide, I felt writing it myself might bring it too close to autobiography. I wanted someone who could take that starting point and make it their own. Dylan came back with a draft in ten hours, and I loved it.

Kevin Treacy and Eoghan McKenna came on board as producers. Kevin had shot a documentary for me, and we’d really hit it off. He’s hugely talented across several disciplines and ended up co-writing, shooting, co-directing and editing the film.

I’d met Jason Byrne working on a play at the Abbey Theatre. I think he’s a genius. I loved working with him and told him I’d get him directing a film one day. He thought I was mad because he hadn’t even directed a short, but I knew he had it in him. He was perfect for this.

We had a couple of weeks of rehearsals, which made a huge difference. Kevin and Jason kept developing the script, and we found things with the actors in rehearsals, during the shoot, in the edit and through reshoots. It was constantly evolving, with everyone helping us discover what the film could be."

Q: What did you feel was the most fulfilling element of working on this film?

"Working with this cast and crew. That’s why I do it. There’s something very fulfilling about people bringing their talent, commitment and trust to something you’re making together.

Jade Jordan was my dance partner throughout it. She’s incredible as Anna and gave herself completely to the part. Graham Earley is astonishing: hilarious, tragic and, I think, unforgettable. Casey Walsh brings such humour and mystery. Nyree Yergainharsian and Kevin Glynn are brilliant, and Lalor Roddy has this extraordinary, almost ethereal presence.

And Gary Lydon was just wonderful. I’m very grateful we got to work with him and have his performance in the film. May he rest in peace."

Q: To what extent was your on-screen talent vital to the success of the film?

"The cast were crucial. With a film like this, the audience has to believe in these people and care about them. We ask them to move between comedy, romance and some very painful material, and the actors make those shifts feel truthful. They brought so much beyond what was on the page.

That commitment ran right through the crew, in every department. So much of what allows an actor to give a good performance comes from the people around them. Kevin and Jason created an atmosphere where we could take chances and find things together. I’m proud of what they’ve made, and I’m excited to see what they do next. They both have so much to offer."

Q: What does it mean to have your work acknowledged by your peers in the Irish film community and have it showcased for consideration for the IFTA Awards?

"It would mean a great deal. We’re a small country that punches well above its weight in the arts, and there are people in the Irish film community whose work I’ve admired for years. To have them acknowledge something we’ve made together would be very special.

At the heart of the film is a belief that you deserve love, whatever your circumstances and whatever you’re struggling with. Love can reach people in terrible pain and help them heal. We wanted to explore that honestly, with humour and tenderness. For that message, and the work of everyone who helped bring it to the screen, to be recognised would be something we’d all be proud of."