Sometimes, when watching the plethora of film trailers that come my way, and I’m sure you’re the same if you love finding out about new narratives and characters emerging from an upcoming film director, you only need a minute of an introduction – and you’re in. This trailer for Ballywalter was one of those and Prasanna Puwanarajah‘s directorial debut is surely one to put on your list, when it’s release in UK and Irish cinemas on 22 September.

Written by Stacey Gregg, and from Break Out Pictures and Elysian Film Group, we can expect a bitter-sweet comedy-drama that’s set in Belfast, and it certainly ticks the right boxes for me. With the excellent Seána Kerslake leading the way, as well as a first dramatic role for comedian Patrick Kielty, the film delves into those unexpected connections that can change the course of our lives…

Following Eileen (Kerslake), who’s an unrepentant University drop-out whose dreams of a successful life in London have fallen by the wayside, which probably sounds familiar to many, she’s moved move and is making money as an unlicensed driver in her ex-boyfriend’s minicab.

Shane (Kielty) has also exiled himself in the town of Ballywalter, following the break-up of his marriage, and trying to get his life back on track by enrolling in a stand-up comedy course. When Shane calls a taxi to get him there, Eileen answers and an unexpected connection is made, watch the trailer now:

British Sri Lankan director Prasanna Puwanarajah felt a particular connection to the screenplay and characters for Ballywalter, created by Belfast writer Stacey Gregg, and had this to say:

“There’s something about the three-dimensional humaneness of her characters colliding with a freewheeling sense of humour and beautiful, delicate pathos that struck a particular harmony with me when we started working together over 10 years ago.” 

Ballywalter comes to UK and Irish cinemas on 22 September