Independent Irish production company, Maglite Films’ new short film, ‘Where The Old Man Lives’ which tackles the issue of farm intruder terror, will have its Irish premiere at the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF).
The premiere will be screened on Friday, October 18, at 3:00p.m, at Cinema Killarney, as part of the Irish shorts programme.
Inspired by true events, the film explores themes of rural isolation, resilience, and the profound impact of losing one’s sense of security.
It is fitting, therefore, that the award-winning short will premiere in the home county of the late legendary playwright, novelist and essayist, John B. Keane.
Set in rural Ireland, an old man living in fear and isolation risks everything to protect himself from dangerous intruders. Michael is a farmer with an ordinary life in the west of Ireland.
In his fear and isolation, he relies on the solace of prayer in his daily routine. His paranoia of being burgled becomes apparent as he hides his savings in his mattress, and spills sand across his driveway to detect unwelcome visitors.
Michael’s fears are realised when he notices a suspicious youth watching his every move at a mart.
The story takes a turn for Michael after he returns home to find his house ransacked. His constant fear forces him to move into his barn, where he mistakes his neighbour, Seanie, for an intruder.
Written and produced by Ruaidhrí Hallinan and Eamonn Keane of Maglite Films in Galway, ‘Where The Old Man Lives’ has already picked up a number of awards including best cinematography at both the Oscars-qualifying Edmonton International Film Festival in Canada and at the Worcester Film Festival in the UK, and best international short film at the Catalina Film Festival in California.
The film 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 on a farm at Coolepark, Gort; at Gort mart; at the Brothers of Charity, Clarinbridge and in a farm house in Tawin island, Oranmore, in Co. Galway.
Pre-production ran from late August 2023 to late January this year, with post-production wrapped by the end of April.
‘Where The Old Man Lives’ features a 12-strong cast, with up to 100 extras, and was produced on a budget of just €30,000.
Maglite Films established a GoFundMe page to help finance the project, as well as receiving support from the ICMSA, FBD and the Fingal Farmers’ Group.
‘Where The Old Man Lives’ is a compelling and introspective film that delves into the life of Michael.
Through the lens of his 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 Galway in 2021 and began scriptwriting together the following year. Individually, they have enjoyed their own successes. Hallinan is a writer, producer, and creative enthusiast.
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 interestingly, will also be screened at KIFF. It will be shown in St Mary’s Church of the Sloes, at 11:30a.m, on Saturday, October 19.
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.
Co-writer and co-producer, Hallinan, said they are delighted to be bringing ‘Where The Old Man Lives’ ‘to Kerry International Film Festival for its Irish premiere.
“We believe it is fitting that the first Irish screening will be in John B. Keane’s home county. Many of Keane’s works delve into issues around rural isolation, farming life and, of course, the importance of the land.
‘”Where The Old Man Lives’ is a modern day look at farm life in rural Ireland and the isolation faced by so many,” he said.
Co-writer and co-producer Keane added: “This is a film we 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.”