Bellinter House cast in leading role in powerful Irish film

The breathtaking grounds of the historic Bellinter House have taken centre stage in an upcoming Irish short film that shines a powerful light on Endometriosis through the lens of Irish mythology.

'Macha', directed by Shane Robinson and written by Niamh Mahony, is set to make its highly anticipated premiere at the prestigious Galway Film Fleadh on 9th July.

The film follows Ana (Niamh Mahony), a woman left searching for answers after undergoing surgery for Endometriosis, only to find her pain dismissed by the healthcare system.

Drawing strength from Macha, the legendary Irish Goddess of War and Fertility, Ana embarks on a journey to reclaim her voice and confront a system that has failed to listen. Alongside her, her father Fionn (John Quinn) struggles with the heartbreak of watching someone he loves suffer while feeling powerless to help.

One of the film's most striking scenes was shot beneath Bellinter House's iconic 'Wedding Tree', an ancient Weeping Beech whose haunting beauty perfectly complements the film's mythical atmosphere.

Writer and lead actor Niamh Mahony said:

“The film is all about the road to diagnosis with Endometriosis and the mental impact that it can have, not only on the person living with the condition but also on the people who love you and want to help you.

“I merged this story with the tale of Macha, the Goddess of War and Fertility, so we're moving between a mythological world and the modern world throughout the film. The ancient aspect of the story really magnifies how it feels for the main character. It's quite an intense world. She uses Macha as her strength to get her diagnosis and Macha gives Ana her voice.”

'Macha' marks Mahony's debut as a screenwriter, with elements of the story inspired by her own experience of living with Endometriosis and navigating the healthcare system.

“I wanted to use mythology as a way of helping people who know little about the condition to understand it better. Mythology attracts a different audience. Where better than Meath to tell this story, given its rich heritage and deep connection to Irish mythology.

“At the end of it all, the message has always been about raising awareness of Endometriosis. Macha aims to amplify the voices of those living with the condition and to stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of individuals and the loved ones who support them every day.”

Producer Croía McDermott praised Bellinter House for providing the perfect setting to bring the film's mythical world to life.

“We filmed all of our mythological scenes here against the beautiful backdrop of Bellinter House. We were incredibly fortunate to receive not only support, but also access to such an extraordinary location. The Wedding Tree is simply magical and couldn't have been more perfect for the story.

“We brought a special effects company from the North of Ireland who used a haze machine to create this incredible atmosphere. It looked absolutely stunning. We also had local background actors from Meath join the production, which made it even more special.”

McDermott hopes the film will help bring new audiences to the conversation around Endometriosis.

“We're delighted to bring this story to the big screen for the Endometriosis community and create a space where their experiences are seen and heard. By making a dramatic short film instead of a documentary, we hope to reach people who may not otherwise engage with the subject.

“We simply wouldn't have been able to create this film on this scale without the generosity and support of Sheila O'Riordan, Founder and CEO of Ardán Collective, Sharon Mohan, Senior Corporate Sales Manager at Ardán Collective, and the incredible team at Bellinter House for allowing us to use their magnificent grounds.”

Anita Corrigan, Corporate Sales Manager at Ardán Collective and a Meath native, recalled one particularly memorable moment during filming.

“We actually received a few calls from locals who thought Bellinter House was on fire because of the haze machine.”

The film was supported by Ardán Collective, owners of Bellinter House, who selected Endometriosis as their chosen charity last year as part of their commitment to supporting fundraising initiatives that directly benefit those affected by the condition.

Ardán Collective supported the production throughout the shoot by opening the doors of Bellinter House and its spectacular grounds, helping transform one of Meath's most historic estates into the mythical world of Macha while also spreading a very important message.