Epic among 12 to win Irish Film Board backing

New projects from Whit Stillman and Brendan Muldowney are among 12 projects to receive production backing from the Irish Film Board in its latest round of funding, Screen International has learnt.

Savage and Love Eternal director Muldowney’s next project Pilgrimage, written by Jamie Hannigan, will follow a group of monks who must escort a holy relic across war-torn 13th century Ireland.

The SP Films production, due to shoot later this year, has scooped a hefty $1.23m (€900,000) commitment, one of the IFB’s biggest grants. Conor Barry produces with John Keville.

Subotica’s Unless, to be directed by Alan Gilsenan, and Newgrange Pictures’ Seeing Chris, to be directed by Tom Cairns, both received $683,000 (€500,000) while Billy O’Brien’s I am Not a Serial Killer got $410,000 (€300,000).

Whit Stillman’s Jane Austen adaptation titled Jane Austen’s Love & Friendship, set to star Sienna Miller, received $287,000 (€250,000). 

Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, David Roddham’s Trade, Terry McMahon’s Oliver Twisted, Rebecca Daly’s Good Favour and Kieron J. Walsh’s La Domestique are among projects to receive development backing.

Alex Gibney’s Ceasefire Massacre and Jake Paltrow’s Young Ones received co-production support while Tomi Ungerer’s Moon Man was among those to receive distribution support.