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’m really interested in how personal trauma can shape you, but leave you with resilience and inner strength. This has been a running theme in my writing and drama work I’ve made, and what initially inspired SLUDGE. The idea grew during my daily walks along the Navvy Bank in Dundalk, where so much of the film is set, looking out across the silt-laden bay and taking in what I was seeing around the town.

Unfortunately, in small-town Ireland there’s a growing homelessness crisis, especially among the young. They’re displaced and society buries its head. I wanted to capture something of that displacement without trying to make a ‘statement’, as such. But I’m also drawn to the Gothic, in the sense of the exploration of inner repression, and I wrestled with whether the film should have the Gothic twist or remain purely a social drama. So, there were several versions of this during the process.

However, I stayed true to my original script. I had to ask myself what would entertain me, and the finished film is what I finally decided on. For me, it’s about how the darker parts of the human psyche can become a kind of protection, perhaps a source of power. I want audiences to feel that. Some will understand the ending and the twist, while others may be left with questions, but that ambiguity was important.

SLUDGE is a micro-budget indie film, and to get it to the stage where it premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2026 is surreal. I’m incredibly indebted to everyone who gave so much for so little to make SLUDGE the film it is today. Each person gave something of their soul and had faith in me that we could make something special, and I’ll never forget that."

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

"There are so many parts of the process I found fulfilling. The first was gathering the cast and crew together and getting their unwavering support. It might also have been the most exhausting element. However, when we were filming and had a well-oiled machine united in their shared desire to create art and make movies honestly, it was such a buzz!

From my brother Donal Murphy, 1st AC, who came on board as producer, to Colm Mullen as DOP, David Conyard as composer, the list goes on, but it was their invaluable support that got the film to this place. Also, having the people of Dundalk, Louth Arts Office, DkIT and An Táin Arts Centre come out in force to back me again cemented my determination that I could do this.

The second part was how it developed in the edit. Fernando de Juan worked tirelessly with me for over a year to craft the finished film, with First Element on board at the end for post-production. Although at times it was so tough, I feel so rewarded for what each individual put into the film to get it to this stage."

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

"When you’re working on a low-budget movie, you need to be able to think on your feet and keep things moving. Having the right cast was vital. I needed people I could rely on to deliver the performances and understand what we were trying to achieve. I can’t commend the cast enough for their work.

So many of them were local, which was something I had really wanted to achieve. I was also determined to hold in-person casting, but with limited funding, we had to do it all ourselves. We were able to hold auditions at An Táin Arts Centre, and that was vital to the success of the casting process.

All of the cast gave it their best and suffered with the lack of facilities, helping us with the actual production and then delivering really solid performances. I’m blessed to have worked with such exciting emerging talent across the board.

I have to give a special mention to Shauna Radford, who played Lise McDevitt. I wrestled with this casting because I knew it had to be right. Looking back, I was so lucky to find her. Shauna brought something truly singular to the role. This is Lise McDevitt’s story, and Shauna gave her a real sense of vulnerability and pathos that shines."

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’s unreal to be up for consideration alongside some incredible films. I’m truly blown away. The whole thing still feels surreal. Making an independent film on such a small budget was tough. This life we chose for ourselves is not an easy one, but it’s one we’ve chosen, with all the highs and lows.

Right now, this is a high, and to have the work acknowledged by our peers in the Irish film community is amazing and gives me a real boost to keep going. As a female filmmaker, it means even more. Less than 12% of the films screened at the Galway Film Fleadh were made by women, so I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved.

I’m also proud that we’ve showcased regional filmmaking and highlighted the wealth of talent we have in County Louth and Armagh. Ultimately, being showcased by IFTA is such a boost, not just for me but for everyone who helped make this film happen.

I owe so much to so many people who gave their time, talent and support. After all the hard work and challenges, to have this recognition is a real honour."