Donegal County Council’s Film Commission this week sees the culmination of a year-long negotiation and support process come to fruition when filming begins on a major international film ‘A Shine of Rainbows’. The film, which will be shot on location in Inishowen and Letterkenny, is directed by Emmy award winning Indian director Vic Sarin (Partition, Cold Comfort).
Irish/American actor Aidan Quinn, star of Michael Collins and Legends of the Fall and Danish beauty Connie Nielsen of Gladiator fame will arrive in Inishowen to begin work on the film. Following a round of auditions in Carndonagh and Letterkenny last month 50 local children have been cast as extras. A number of local people have secured speaking parts in the film including Sharon Simpkins from Greencastle and Laura Doherty from Letterkenny.
The film is produced by Sepia Films, Canada and Octagon Film, Ireland, and also stars John Bell, Jack Gleeson and Tara Scully. It is based on the novel by Lillian Beckwith, ‘A Shine of Rainbows’ and tells the story of how a lonely orphan's life is transformed by an extraordinary woman who teaches him to conquer grief and discover the magic in nature and himself.
The Canadian / Irish co-production was adapted for the screen by Vic Sarin, Catherine Spear and Dennis Foon and produced by Tina Pehme (Sepia Films), Kim Roberts and James Flynn (Octagon). Production design is by Tom McCullagh (Closing the Ring, Mickybo and Me) with costume design by Susan Scott (Boy Eats Girl). The film is cast by John Hubbard of Hubbard Casting.
Donegal County Council’s film commission spokesperson Aideen Doherty explained that this is a wonderful opportunity for Inishowen, Letterkenny and the entire North West region to raise the profile of the area not only as a film location but also as a tourist destination. The film itself will bring significant direct revenue into the area that will be particularly valuable for local accommodation and other service providers during the shoulder tourist season. Ms Doherty said that the film commission at Donegal County Council have been providing support and local knowledge to the production team over the past year as part of a competitive location selection process.
The film’s producer Tina Pehme said that the breathtaking scenery and the overwhelming support and enthusiasm for the film by the local community meant that bringing the film here was an easy decision to make.
Further information is available by contacting:
Ms Aideen Doherty, Donegal County Council, Malin Road, Carndonagh
Tel: +353 (0)87 6857449
aideen.doherty@donegalcoco.ie