UK filmmaker Prasanna Puwanarajah’s directorial debut Ballywalter has been picked up for release in the UK and Ireland, with Break Out Pictures releasing in the Republic and Northern Ireland, and CAA-backed Elysian Film Group distributing in Great Britain.
UK sales outfit Bankside Films represents worldwide sales, and are selling the title at the European Film Market (EFM).
Screen Star of Tomorrow 2017 Seána Kerslake stars alongside Northern Irish presenter Patrick Kielty in his first leading film role, and follows a university drop-out who moves back home with her mum. While working as an unlicensed minicab driver, she meets an estranged family man trying to rebuild his life.
It is produced by the UK’s James Bierman of Empire Street Productions and Nik Bower of Riverstone Pictures in co-production with Alan Maher and John Wallace of Ireland’s Cowtown Pictures.
The film is financed by the British Film Institute (BFI), Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and Salmira Productions, and was the opening night film at the Belfast International Film Festival.
Puwanarajah wrote 2012 short Boy starring Timothy Spall, which featured in the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games; his debut stage play Nightwatchman premiered at the National Theatre in 2011. His acting credits include as Martin Bashir in both 2013 film Diana and Netflix’s The Crown. He is also a former junior doctor.
“We can’t wait to release later this year and share the film with cinema audiences across these islands,” said Puwanarajah.
“Ballywalter is a carefully observed, emotionally charged drama and we hope audiences across Ireland and the UK love it as much as we do,” added Break Out Pictures.
“We were all totally charmed by director Prasanna Puwanarajah’s film and blown away by the performances of Seána Kerslake and Patrick Kielty,” said Elysian Film Group.
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