Irish Language Feature Films Finky and Arracht to Begin Production

Production is set to begin on two Irish language full-length films as part of the Cine4 Development Scheme, according to IFTN.

The joint-funding initiative is a collaborative effort between BAI, Screen Ireland and TG4 to support the development and production of feature films in the Irish language. Launched in 2017, IFTN now report two films will begin production in the coming months.

Finky is a psychological drama telling the story of Micí Phincí Ó Foghlú, a young musician with a tragic past who is crippled in a car accident. He is given a chance at redemption when he is recruited by a violent, avant-garde circus.

Meanwhile, Arracht is set during the famine in 1845. It centres on a man who loses everything and is accused of a murder. On the run for three years and with the help of a mysterious girl he attempts to rebuild his life. However, his past however comes back to haunt him.

TG4 said in a statement in 2017, the two films produced annually under the Cine4 Development Scheme will be given a full festival life and theatrical release prior to their broadcast premiere on TG4.

"Since TG4 launched, drama in Irish has been at the heart of our vision for audiences. This important new partnership scheme brings Irish language film-making to a new level and will extend TG4 content into another central and natural home – the cinema," said TG4 Director General, Alan Esslemont, in a 2017 statement.

"For independent Irish producers it offers an opportunity to showcase their talent and skills at the highest level and we hope that the scheme will also open doors for them in the increasingly global audio-visual market for drama content.”