A NEW IRISH film starring Brendan Gleeson and Chris O’Dowd has been picked up for US distribution by major studio Fox Searchlight, after showing at the Sundance film festival.

Calvary, filmed in Sligo, is the story of an ageing priest who is told during confession that he will be murdered in a week’s time.

It features a who’s who of the Irish acting world, including Aidan Gillen, Dylan Moran, Domhnall Gleeson, Pat Shortt and Killian Scott (aka Tommy from Love/Hate). Director John Michael McDonagh’s previous movie was The Guard, also starring Gleeson.

The film will have its Irish premiere as the opening movie of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival on February 13.

Calvary’s producer James Flynn said:

It’s been an incredible few days at Sundance for the Irish film industry [...] John McDonagh and Brendan Gleeson’s wonderful collaboration has created a film with both critical acclaim and significant commercial potential.

James Hickey, chief executive of the Irish Film Board, said he hopes the movie will meet with success overseas. “We are delighted that Fox Searchlight has picked up Calvary for the US and we hope that US audiences will embrace this film,” he said.

Director John Michael McDonagh was more succinct, saying:

Thank you, Sundance. Thank you, bourbon! Onward!

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