Crookhaven might have had its moment in the sun last year with Star Wars, but Kealkil is where the cameras will be rolling this summer.
by BRIAN MOORE
CROOKHAVEN might have had its moment in the sun last year with Star Wars, but Kealkil is where the cameras will be rolling this summer.
A young Cork-based film company is getting ready to load up their equipment, pack the costumes and get their actors to the West Cork village for a story set locally, in the 1700s.
Writer, producer and director Darren Kelleher, who runs Actorsvision in Cork, told The Southern Star that when it came to a location for his movie, he knew he didn’t have far to travel.
‘Our story is called Empire of Dirt and while it is set 300 years ago, it is a fictional tale of a people, who having experienced a major shift in their lives and their landscape, are forced to move from all they know in search of a new life. All the while they are fighting to hold onto their identity,’ explained Darren. ‘Landscape is very important to the story and I knew that the spectacular scenery of West Cork would give the film a look and a feel that you couldn’t get anywhere else.’
Empire of Dirt is not a historical film, but is set in a time of upheaval for the people who lived through an event that has left their homes and lands destroyed.
‘We have a cast of 16 actors and almost 100 extras who will bring the story to life, both in Kealkil and in Castletownbere,’ he added. ‘We set up a Kickstarter campaign to help with funding the movie and raised over €18,000. However, if there is anyone interested in sponsoring the movie in any way, we would be delighted to hear from them.’
Filming is due to take just over a month, all going well, and Darren expects the movie to be ready for its premiere some time in April or May 2018. Empire of Dirt begins filming in July but if you would like more information about the movie, its cast and crew, or if you would like to support the production, log on to www.actorsvision.com
