01 Sep 2017
Arts Council of Ireland Fund Phantom Islands
I am delighted to announce that production is now complete on my latest feature, Phantom Islands. By far the biggest and most complex project that I have yet undertaken, making it often led me into unchartered waters. It is an experimental film that exists at the boundary of documentary and fiction. It explores the numerous islands and wild landscapes around Ireland from the perspective of a foreign couple exploring them. Through also observing each other on this trip, the couple becomes increasingly aware of the differences and tensions that exist between them. Ultimately, Phantom Islands will question the very possibility of documentary objectivity.
Between May and August 2017, the Phantom Islands production visited many islands and coastal locations on a shoot that now feels like a long, continuous and distant dream. I was extremely fortunate and blessed to be accompanied on this journey by an extraordinary and passionately dedicated cast and crew. Without their creative input I could never have achieved the painterly and atmospheric imagery that defines Phantom Islands. My deepest gratitude goes to Jann Clavadetshcer, Conor Horgan, Maximilian Le Cain, Atoosa Pour Hosseini, Daniel Fawcett, Clara Pais, Katie Mc Fadden, Alan Fitzpatrick and Vicky Langan.
Phantom Islands is funded By The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon under the Reel Art scheme and will be distributed by Experimental Film Society. Now in post-production, it will be ready for a February 2018 release. The super-talented Amanda Feery will compose the soundtrack, and my great colleague and friend Michael Higgins will colour grade the images. I can’t wait to launch the finished film and set it afloat in the world. Making it has again proven to me that, at least in my case, you don’t make a film – it is the film that makes you. You are nothing but a medium that gives birth to this strangely beautiful and subversive entity. Onwards!
For regular news and updates on the film, please visit the website link below.