Critical popcorn

We’re very pleased to share the news that filming has begun on Wildfire, the feature film debut from award-winning Irish director Cathy Brady (Morning, Small Change, Wasted) and a multi award-winning team of producers:  Tempesta Films’ Carlo Cresto-Dina (The Wonders – Cannes Jury Grand Prix, Happy As Lazzaro –  Cannes Best Script), Cowboy Films’ Charles Steel (Oscar and BAFTA-winning The Last King of Scotland, Marley) and Samson Films’ David Collins (Oscar and Sundance winner Once, Float Like A Butterfly).

WILDFIRE is the story of two sisters who grew up on the fractious Irish border.  When one of them, who has been missing, finally returns home, the intense bond with her sister is re-ignited. Together they unearth their mother’s past but uncovered secrets and resentments which have been buried deep, threaten to overwhelm them.

Cathy Brady’s journey in making this film began by casting the lead actors Nika McGuigan (The Secret Scripture, Traders) and Nora-Jane Noone (Brooklyn, The Magdalene Sisters, The Descent). From there, over a year-long workshop process of improvisations, transcript, rehearsal, voice and dance drills, she created the story and wrote the script.

An Irish-UK co-production, Wildfire was supported through development and production by the BFI (using funds from the National Lottery), Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and the Wellcome Trust.  Film4, Sulcata Productions, Illium and Lexis Media also co-financed production. Lizzie Francke, Celine Haddad, Lauren Dark, Emma Duffy, Robert Halmi and Jim Reeve are the executive producers. Wildfire will shoot on location in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for 6 weeks later this year. Award-winning cinematographer Crystel Fournier (Girlhood, Nico 1988) is the DOP.  The producers had this to say:

“What excited us by Wildfire was firstly Cathy’s energy and talent,” said the  producers, “but also the unique generative process Cathy wanted for this: trying to create a film that is different because it’s made differently. “

We’ll bring you all the latest news on Cathy’s Wildfire as we hear it.