Belfast-born, Margate-based director Kathryn Ferguson (Nothing Compares) presents her first narrative drama short, starring Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones, Kin), followed by a Q&A with Kathryn and Karen Cogan (writer, Bad Sisters).
This darkly comic Northern Irish drama tackles a question familiar to musicians everywhere: What happens when a song takes on a life of its own, and its creator has no control over what it comes to represent?
Drew Lord Haig, a washed-up 1980s pop star, is unexpectedly invited to perform at a centenary celebration in Belfast, a divided city he doesn’t understand. Hoping to relive his glory days, he discovers that one of his forgotten songs has become an unlikely anthem, taking on a meaning he could never have imagined. A darkly comic look at artistic ownership, identity and tribalism: you can write the song, but you can’t control what the world does with it.
Adapted by Stacey Gregg (Bad Sisters, Mary & George) from Wendy Erskine’s short story in her collection Dance Move. Also starring Michael Smiley (Bad Sisters), Jessica Reynolds (Kneecap), Seamus O’Hara (An Irish Goodbye) and Sean Kearns (The Boxer). Cinematography by two-time Oscar nominee Robbie Ryan (Poor Things, The Favourite). Executive produced by Jamie Dornan.
Winner of Best Short Film (Live Action) at the IFTAs. BAFTA-nominated and Oscar-qualified, and now in the race for Best Live Action Short Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
Original songs and score by Dan Smith, the Grammy-nominated, Brit Award-winning frontman of Bastille.
Runtime 19mins + Q&A
“Kathryn has captured the raw, visceral tribalism that exists within the complex social and political landscape of Northern Ireland, while telling a story that feels deeply human, relatable and universal.” – Jamie Dornan, executive producer