- Culture
- 07 Sep 23
Denise Chaila to star in film about The Supremes' 1981 trip to Ireland
Chaila is joined by Negro Impacto, Irish dancer Kaitlyn Sardin, American drummer Jackie Whitmill jr, Sly5thAve, William 'Quantic' Holland, and more.
Last night, St John's Pavilion on Mulgrave Street, Limerick City, saw a return to the '80s with a large crowd of eagerly awaiting Denise Chaila fans waiting to see what the next steps are in her multi-layered career.
In a vague post on Instagram last week, Chaila teased a new project, saying: "What I AM saying, is that something very important (pertaining to the next several years of my work) is happening. In Limerick. On the 6th of September. St John’s Pavilion. 2nd slide if you’re curious.
"Come dressed like it’s the 80’s and you have someone you’re looking to impress. Donations are welcome at the door but not demanded. This is very much about Something Else."
And so, as proven by Chaila's King John's Castle gig last year, when she tells fans to dress up, they dress up. Without knowing what was going on, fans turned up in all the various styles of the 80's - from jumpsuits to mom jeans, and bowler hats to scrunchies.
Upon entering the famous bingo hall, Brian Cross, the photographer more commonly known as B+, took to the stage - explaining to the rather large crowd that had gathered, what would be going on for the evening.
The filmmaker and photographer informed the audience that he is making a film about The Supremes' 1981 tour of Ireland, which saw the group stop in various locations all over Ireland, such as The Fiesta Club, Dublin, Tara Ballroom, Wexford, and The Centre, Lahinch. Starring as Mary Wilson is Limerick City rapper, Denise Chaila, with Kaitlyn Sardin and Chi-chi of Negro Impacto taking up the other two spots.
An interview published on the Department of Foreign Affairs website with Cross back in January of 2022, spoke about the filmmakers previous work with Chaila and plans for the forthcoming movie, yet this interview and information wasn't picked up by any news outlets.
"Any upcoming projects you are excited about?" the interviewer asked.
"The thing most people haven’t seen is the Denise Chaila film called 'Energy'," Cross answered. "It’s a project that put me back in Ireland and if there is a positive from the pandemic, I’m grateful for that. Then a few other things; I’m working on a film, but it’s very early stages. The story is about The Supremes visiting Ireland in 1981. I began shooting last summer in Detroit and I’ll go back again this summer. Just scouting in Ireland right now for locations. That is definitely something I am excited for. There is a bunch of other Irish-related things going on but I’m not able to speak about them yet!"
So far, the cast includes Chaila, world champion Irish dancer Kaitlyn Sardin, Chi-chi and Strange Love of Negro Impacto, American drummer Jackie Whitmill jr, English musician, DJ and record producer William 'Quantic' Holland, and multi-instrumentalist and producer Sly5thAve.
Mochilla, a production company formed by photographers Eric Coleman and B+ in 1997, is the company producing the beyond interesting film - who also had incredible merch prepared for the filming experience.
During the filming, Chaila pointed out that 1981 in Ireland was they year were the hunger strikes were ongoing - with Bobby Sands passing on May 5. She also points out that it was still a very precarious time to be black in Ireland and Limerick, with four black students barred from entering the Savoy, Limerick, while The Supremes were preparing to tour the country.
Chaila also teased new music, revealing she'll have a sophmore album coming soon.
The film has yet to be given a release date, and there is very limited information about it available thus far, but Hot Press will update the story as we hear more!
