This indie film written and directed by Tom Ryan and produced by Fionn Greger is a project that both have worked on diligently over the past two and a half years, made on a micro-budget and has been shown in various prestigious festivals in an attempt to sell to interested distributors.
The film follows the follows the journey of a young couple played by Shane Murray-Corcoran and Iseult Casey as they travel to London for a legal abortion and retells with humour and compassion their blossoming romance and the family obligations that led to this fateful journey.
Also featuring the always reliable Pat Shortt and Ardal O'Hanlon, this is a wonderful heartfelt film, devoid of cliches and highlights sensitive subject matters in a very "real" manner. It again, shows the wealth of film making in this small country of ours and continues the high calibre of quality films being produced not only in mainstream but also through independent cinema.
Producer of the film, Fionn Greger was kind enough to answer a few questions that I had about his experiences whilst making and promoting the movie and how it has been received:
1. How difficult is it to get an independent movie with a small budget such as this off the ground?
We were incredibly lucky with the financing for this film, something I don't expect to happen again. Tom and I approached private investors about the film and in a short space of time had the funding in place. That hard money covered our budget so it meant we didn't need to go in search of sort money or funding like most other films do.
2. How has it been received on the festival trail and is there any festival in particular that stands out as a highlight on touring with the film?
Generally Twice Shy has received a lot of love on the festival trail. This I think is part down to the movie's quality and character. Its a micro budget movie that punches way above its weight and we tell a story that hasn't been told in Irish cinema previously. That immediately makes it stand out. I couldn't circle one festival in particular because there were moments in all of them I'll never forget.
3. Has the success and high quality of Irish films in the past few years been off any assistance in promoting the film?
The success of Irish films the past few years has certainly helped us as international buyers are taking notice and want to find the next success story. I feel Irish films are taken much more seriously now by distributors who see a demand and return from audiences worldwide.
4. Do you feel that if the film becomes labelled as an "abortion" related film that it will take away from what is a heartfelt coming of age love story that also deals with other weighty issues such as depression etc?
I always knew the film would get labelled with the abortion tag. The story is too original for it not to be, but in the world of indie film you need your film to stand tall against the other films which might have big names and big advertising budgets. If we can grab headlines about our film, which gets audiences into see it, I'm confident they will then see it as the heartfelt story about a young couple which it is.
5. How has the whole experience been of seeing your project grow and now gain momentum to hopefully reach the audiences that it deserves?
The whole experience of making a film is almost worthy of writing book. It is a roller coaster of emotions, that starts with two people having a conversation. Then a couple of years later and you find yourself in a dark room full of people and you're about to screen it for the first time. It takes a massive push to get it to the finish line but if you love the experience of it then its ultimately a pleasure to see it through.
Twice Shy has its market premiere screenings at The Marché du Film on Thursday 18th May, 15:30 & Saturday 20th May, 09:30 in Palais D.
It will soon thereafter have a limited nationwide release in Ireland and if you have the opportunity to go see it is a film well worth watching.
For further information check out Twice Shy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
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