Hopes for Meath made movie at tonight's Oscars!
The Longwood film maker whose feature film is up for an Oscar at tonight's academy awards says she is “thrilled” that Meath will be showcased on the world stage.
It was announced in January that ‘An Cailín Ciúin’ a feature film made in Co, Meath by Longwood film maker Cleona Ní Chrualaoi was one of the nominees for The 95th Academy Awards in the ‘International Feature Film’ category of the Oscars.
The film makes history as the first Irish-language feature film to be nominated in this category.
Based on Claire Keegan’s novella Foster, An Cailín Ciúin is an intricate, deeply felt coming-of-age drama that delves into the meaning of family through the eyes of a neglected young girl.
Much of the film was shot on location by Breakout Pictures in Summerhill, Moynalvey, Curraghtown, Garlow Cross, Trim and Clonymeath.
The film was also nominated for two Baftas including best film not in the English language and for adapted screenplay for its writer-director, Colm Bairéad.
The film has had even more success recently with Gormanston native Kate McCullough receiving the award for Best European Cinematography for An Cailín Ciúin at this year’s European Film Awards. Kate is the first Irish woman to receive this award and the fourth female in the world to get the gong.
Husband and wife team Cleona and Colm have been spending much time in LA recently ahead of the Academy Awards next week, where they will find out if they have won an Oscar for Best International Feature Film.
In February they attend a star studded luncheon in Hollywood attended by all this year’s nominees.
An Cailín Ciúin was officially released in the US last month.
Speaking to the Meath Chronicle about the nomination Cleona Ní Chrualaoi said it was “the stuff of dreams,” she added:
“I don’t think it has properly sunk in yet to be honest
“It’s amazing, we were so nervous beforehand and we had all gathered together in Dublin so it was the waiting and the expectation but it was just incredible when we saw An Cailín Ciúin come up on the screen.
“We were the last to be called, we knew it would because it goes in alphabetical order. But then it was complete elation, we all jumped up and down, we were just ecstatic!
“It’s just dream stuff really. Occasionally myself and Colm would go let’s just dream for a minute, imagine being nominated for an Oscar but we never really allowed ourselves to go there.
“You never think that far ahead making a film. We always knew that there would be a possibility that we would be Ireland’s selection with IFTA but you just take the journey as it comes.”
Cleona’s love for the Irish language has roots in her time as a student of Coláiste Pobail in Ráth Chairn as she explains.
“I always had a real gra for Irish and became fluent when I went to Ráth Chairn. I used to stay with a Bean An Ti there during the week so I was really immersed in the language. There was a seed sown at that time for sure. My mum is a native speaker from Donegal. Irish has always been a part of my life.”
The film producer says it’s a bonus that Meath where the film was made will also get its moment of glory.
“It’s so lovely for Meath to get that recognition, the film is travelling the world, it is being shown in cinemas in Australia, Korea and it will be in the States and across Europe and the beautiful locations of Meath will be showcased.”
Meath’s link to the Oscars doesn’t end there. Moylagh man Oliver Farrelly appears as a musician in an important pub scene in The Banshees of Inisherin, a part he was personally asked to play by Brendan Gleeson. Also, Athboy woman Mary Jo Needham can claim to be featured in two Oscar nominated films. Mary Jo was cast as an extra - in both An Cailín Ciúin and The Banshees of Inisherin.
Meanwhile Dunboyne costumer designer Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh also worked on the hit movie also starring Colin Farrell and Barry Keogan.
The Oscars will take place tonight, the ceremony will start in the early hours of Monday, March 13th, though red-carpet coverage is expected to start around 10pm.