Muireann Bird in 'A Nightingale Falling'.

A nightingale falling on release this weekend

Actor Muireann Bird and director Garret Daly, both from Meath, will unveil their new movie ‘A Nightingale Falling’ to cinema audiences nationwide on 12th September. The film, which is opening on screens across the country, will also open at the Diamond Cinema in Navan. “It’s a dream come through. I grew up watching movies at the Palace and Lyric cinemas in the town and to think our first feature film will be playing in Navan is very special,” said Garret Daly, who is from Bellinter.
‘A Nightingale Falling’ is a powerful Irish drama set in Ireland during the War of Independence -  a  period not explored widely since the highly acclaimed ‘The Wind that Shakes the Barley’.  Featuring intense dramatic scenes with Black and Tans and the IRA, impeccable recreations of the era, and powerful acting performances, audiences will be gripped by this tragic tale set in 1920’s Ireland.
“I play Tilly Collingwood,” explained Tara actor Muireann Bird. “It’s a role I really enjoyed playing because the film is so moving and very heartfelt. This period in history was incredibly tough and the film explores the lives of a household caught in the middle of a dreadful conflict’.
 ‘A Nightingale Falling’ was selected for the renowned Galway Film Fleadh in July. It was the only film to receive a second encore screening due to box office demand with audiences desperate to see the film.  The film has also been selected to open the Underground Film Festival, and, at the weekend, was awarded with 'Best Feature' at the Sky Road Film and TV Festival in Clifden.

A hugely successful screening in Hollywood followed with executives from Sony, Disney and other industry studios in attendance. The reaction was so strong that it has lead to North American interest for the movie which will see it unveiled there in 2015. Industry executives were so impressed by the film that the filmmakers and the cast of ‘A Nightingale Falling’ were invited to JJ Abrams headquarters in Santa Monica to walk the green carpet and unveil the film at the annual Oscar Wilde event.
“It was a wonderful experience and a real thrill to have the film make it to Hollywood,” commented Bird.
The story is based on the book of the same name by Clare author PJ Curtis. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent and war-torn Ireland, two sisters’ lives are changed forever as they care for a wounded soldier. What transpires is a tragic love story of a household and its inhabitants, caught in the crucible of dark deep secrets, merciless politics, and the hardships and cruelties of the period.  It is a powerful drama of lives overtaken and destroyed.
“It’s a brilliant story. We were drawn to it because this period is so rooted in Irish culture and history,” Daly said. “I think it will resonate with many people because we’ve all heard stories of from the War of Independence and how it effected families and communities. This is such a story, and it deals with that period from one families point of view. ‘A Nightingale Falling’  is a strong Irish film, set during an important intersection of our history, and this period is of deep interest to the Irish cinema going public.”
The film will open on September 12th across the country including Navan, Dundalk and Tullamore, but the makers are quick to point out the importance of seeing it on the big screen, as it will only be in cinemas for a week. 
“There are so many Hollywood movies being released right now so its important people go see ‘A Nightingale Falling’ the week it comes out. Don’t wait, because even though the movie has been critically acclaimed, cinemas are under pressure for screen space. Supporting this type of movie early is key to it lasting at the box office. If you like history, war, love and drama, you won’t be disappointed.”

 

View a trailer to the film here: http://youtu.be/E4wnFWDhUpY