From Mayo to Newport, California: Irish film to be shown at major US festival

Mayo native Sheila Moylette, in conjunction with Westport based production company Western Front Studios, will have her short film screened at a prestigious US festival. 

In a remarkable achievement for a first time filmmaker, Sheila Moylette’s short film ‘Our Father’ is set to premiere at the upcoming 26th annual Newport Beach Film Festival in California.

'Our Father' was shot on location at the historic Ardagh Lodge in Newport, Co Mayo. “Little did we know it would premiere nearly one year later in Newport, California!” says Sheila, who is a native of Islandeady and lives in Westport.

Selected as part of the Irish A-Short-ment programme, ‘Our Father’ is one of six Irish short films screening at the Newport Beach Film Festival in California, at THE LOT on Saturday, October 18 at 1pm. 

“'Our Father' is a story I have been developing over a number of years,” shares Sheila. “It first began when I pondered the notion of fairies and fairy forts. So many of my grandparents' generation believed in them whilst attending Mass every Sunday, and I couldn't help but wonder how they merged both beliefs without question. And so I began writing!”

Set in the 1960s, ‘Our Father’ is a poignant and gripping tale that sees a young priest called to the bedside of a parishioner, the wife of a prominent politician.

She has just given birth. Whilst her husband has gone out to celebrate, the new mother confides a secret in the priest and asks him for help.

Produced by Western Front Studios, ‘Our Father’ was commissioned under Screen Ireland’s 'Actor as Creator' initiative in partnership with Bow Street Film Academy, Dublin.

“Our production is so grateful for the incredible hospitality of Fania Ellison and her family who let us film in their stunning home. The beautiful period setting was vital in creating the film’s 1960s atmosphere.”

‘Our Father’ was not only shot locally but Westport natives Emer and Brian Durcan of Western Front Studios also served as Producer and Cinematographer, respectively.

Given the quality of their filmmaking, Sheila was thrilled to have the dynamic duo on board.

“As it turned out, they were only living down the street from me, so you could say there have been serendipitous moments from the start.”

Other local contributors to the production include Producer Dorothy Whittaker, a Film and Photography graduate of Mayo College of Further Education; Croía McDermott, a powerhouse in preproduction and an invaluable asset across all aspects of the project; and Anne, Joe and Anna Marie Corcoran at The Castlecourt Hotel who generously provided catering for the cast and crew.

“My mother Mary Moylette also made her famous scones for everyone on set and they even appear in the film,” Sheila laughs. “My late grandmother Katie Duffy was known for her knitting and I got to put the patchwork blanket she knitted 51 years ago as Mam and Dad’s wedding present in the film too.”

Sheila, known for her role in RTE’s hit TV series 'Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope' and the popular Mace adverts starring rugby legend Johnny Sexton, has not only written and directed the film but also stars as Catherine Mason, delivering a moving performance at the heart of the evocative story.

“’Our Father’ made its world premiere at the Louth International Film Festival last month and it was a lovely surprise to be awarded Honourable Mention as Best Actress,” says Sheila.

“I initially wrote this part for myself back when I was studying screen acting at The Factory (now Bow Street Film Academy) just over a decade ago, and whilst it was great to see that come to fruition, it was even more special to have my former classmates Fionn Ó Loingsigh (Cardboard Gangsters, Bad Sisters) and Geraldine McAlinden (The Secret Scripture, Verdigris) star in the film with me, along with Kilmeena-based Catherine Canny and baby Dáire Sweeney from Westport making their screen debuts.

“I’d written the parts for Fionn, Geraldine and Catherine years ago, so it was a really lovely moment when we all arrived on set in our costumes. Everything was just as I had imagined,” says Sheila. “And baby Dáire proved to be a consummate professional. He slept through the noisy set and still gurgled at all the right moments when the camera was on him.”

After such a positive experience, Sheila’s ready to take the next step and begin developing the story into a feature film or TV series.

“Until then, I’m enjoying the festival run, and I cannot wait to arrive into LAX with Emer, Brian and Croía from the production team and attend the Newport Beach Film Festival,” shares Sheila. “I’m so grateful to all at Screen Ireland, Bow Street Film Academy, Western Front Studios and Culture Ireland for making the film and trip to LA possible. I couldn’t ask for a better writing and directing debut.”

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