Westport-made film ‘Horseback’ earns two film nominations
Mark McAuley’s Mayo-made short film recognised for Best Short Irish Film and Best Director at the Underground Cinema International Film Festival
A short film made in Westport has received two nominations at the 17th Underground Cinema International Film Festival (UCIFF).
Horseback, directed by Westport filmmaker Mark McAuley has been shortlisted for Best Short Irish Film, while McAuley has also received a nomination for Best Director.
The Mayo film, which had its Irish premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh, tells the moving story of Ali, a 10-year-old non-verbal refugee boy seeking asylum with his family in rural Ireland.
Haunted by the loss of his mother, Ali struggles to communicate and adapt to his new surroundings. His life begins to change when he meets a gentle piebald pony and Kitty, a Traveller woman who owns the animal.
A bond develops between Ali and the pony, providing him with a sense of trust and security. When Kitty and the pony eventually leave, Ali experiences another painful loss, but the experience ultimately gives him the courage to find his voice and share his grief with his father.
The 12-minute film is produced by Westport-based Emer Durcan from Western Front Studios and Dorthy Whittaker, with a screenplay by Bairbre O’Toole.
The film is one of five nominees in the Best Short Irish Film category, alongside Get A Grip, Grace, Stuck and ’Till Death Do Us Part.
McAuley is also one of five filmmakers nominated for Best Director, alongside Adam Collins, Anna Rogers, John Anderson Jnr. and Will Peppercorn.
The nominations represent another milestone for the Mayo production, which has already brought its story of displacement, grief, connection and hope to audiences through its festival screenings.
The 17th Underground Cinema International Film Festival takes place this weekend (Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30) at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire, with the awards presentation and closing film taking place on Sunday evening.
Tickets to screenings are available on the Underground Cinema International Film Festival website.
Congratulations to Mark McAuley and the entire Horseback team on their two nominations.