Sky Arts will celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a special screening of Bainne, Jack Reynor’s award-winning short film. Jack is well known as an actor for his roles in Lenny Abrahamson's What Richard Did, John Carney's Sing Street and most recently Ari Aster's Midsommar, but with Bainne he has now made his debut as a writer and director.

Bainne, which is co-funded by Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann and Sky Arts tells the story of a farm hand, played by Will Poulter, working for the local landlord during the last year of The Great Famine in Ireland. The film portrays the struggles he faces and his fight for his own survival. But when he encounters a ghostly female figure stealing milk from the landlord's barn his humanity is challenged and he is brought on a journey towards hope.

Bainne was filmed in Reynor’s native Blessington, Co. Wicklow and stars Will Poulter (The Little Stranger, Detroit, The Revenant) in the lead role alongside Irish actors Kelly Thornton (Sing Street, Life’s A Breeze), Steve Wall (An Klondike, Vikings) and Toni O’Rourke (Cardboard Gangsters).

The short film had its World Premiere at the 31st Galway Film Fleadh in 2019 where it won the prestigious Best First Short Drama Award.

Commenting on Bainne’s arrival to the small screen, Jack Reynor said: “I am really proud of my directorial debut short film. It was so special to film it in Blessington, alongside a brilliant cast and crew. A special thank you to Screen Ireland and Sky for their continued support. I look forward to seeing how it’s received when it airs on Sky Arts on St. Patrick’s Day.”

Phil Edgar Jones, Director of Sky Arts & Entertainment, said: “When we read the script, we knew immediately we wanted to be involved. Jack is one of Ireland’s most talented actors and to see him grow and develop as a writer and director has been extraordinary. We are very proud to support Bainne”