A Mayo cinema venue was forced to turn patrons away on Thursday night, as its Studio venue reached capacity ahead of the Mayo premiere of Where The Old Man Lives.

The creators of award-winning short film, 'Where The Old Man Lives', have added an extra date to this month’s screenings of Claremorris Town Hall after demand far exceeded supply at Thursday evening’s event in the town.

The powerful short film enjoyed its Mayo premiere in Claremorris Town Hall Studio on Thursday, May 8, but large numbers had to be turned away at the door when the venue reached capacity ahead of the event.

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Second screening to take place in Claremorris

'Where The Old Man Lives' explores themes of rural isolation, resilience, and the profound impact of losing one’s sense of security. The film was inspired by true events, including the well-documented Padraic Nally story in Cross.

It was written and produced by Mayo’s Ruaidhrí Hallinan and Eamonn Keane, of Maglite Films, and has already enjoyed a hugely successful run at international film festivals, picking up multiple awards along its journey.

This month, the filmmakers made the decision to bring their work home to Mayo. Shows were scheduled for Claremorris, Ballinrobe and Glencorrib, and tickets for Thursday evening’s show had been available to purchase through the Claremorris Town Hall website.

More than half of the tickets had been secured in advance, but with lots more availability, there were no fears of over-subscription.

A spokesperson for Maglite Films apologised to those who had turned out in Claremorris but were unable to gain entry. “When we arrived in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, we were delighted to hear that tickets were selling so well, but we had no idea just how many people would arrive. It was terrible to see people being turned away but the venue was at maximum capacity and there was nothing that could be done. Thankfully, we have been able to secure the venue for another screening next Wednesday evening, May 14th, and we would really encourage people to go online and purchase their tickets in advance,” they said.

The Claremorris Town Hall will have a second screening of the film on Wednesday, May 14, beginning at 8pm. Doors will open at 7.30pm and those hoping to attend are advised to secure their tickets at www.townhall.ie or from the Box Office on 094 931 0999.

And in addition to the additional screening in Claremorris on May 14, Where The Old Man Lives will also be shown at Robe Cinema in Ballinrobe Library on Thursday, May 15.

As well, there will be two screenings in Glencorrib Community Centre the following week, on Wednesday and Thursday, May 21st and 22nd. Tickets for the Ballinrobe and Glencorrib shows are available through Eventbrite. All events begin at 8pm, and will be followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers, led by MC Cróna Esler, author of Unless By Invitation: Crimes That Shocked Ireland.

The film stars renowned Irish playwright, novelist, actor and poet, Michael Harding, in his first venture in a lead role on the silver screen. Harding plays alongside acclaimed Irish actress Ruth McCabe, and Cork actor Michael Patric.

'Where The Old Man Lives' is a compelling and introspective film that delves into the life of Michael (Michael Harding), an elderly man living alone on a rural farm in Ireland.

Through the lens of Michael's journey, the film examines the fragility of the human psyche and the longing for a world turned upside down, to be made right once more.

Where The Old Man Lives will be the headline short for each of the Mayo screenings in May, while audiences will also get to enjoy two others. The first, ‘Rapacious’, was written, directed and produced by Eamonn Keane.

Filmed around Moorehall, it tells the story of a man who, fearing capture for sins of a rapacious past, comes face-to-face with his greatest transgression.

The final short, ‘Radha’, was written and directed by Sonya O'Donoghue. Set in rural Ireland, it tells the story of 12-year-old Radha who lives a solitary life with her grandmother.

After witnessing the tragic death of a local girl, they find themselves complicit in hiding the truth from the community that surrounds them.