Newry the other city in ‘A Belfast Story’ movie
It might be called A Belfast Story but the city of Newry features prominently in the new post Troubles thriller released on September 20th.
The movie, set in contemporary Northern Ireland, features a mysterious gang that begins executing former combatants, thereby threatening the fragile peace and the future of the fledgling government.
Producer John Todd says the city plays a pivotal role in the storyline and its denouement, while many of the rural scenes were filmed in the rolling hills of South Armagh.
John told Newry Times, “Newry is essential to the plot of A Belfast Story. There are flashbacks to events in the early 1990’s and without giving too much away, a lot of the action takes place in the Newry area. The crew had a lot of fun filming in the beautiful surrounding countryside.”
Todd enjoyed the process of producing his first Hollywood movie which was a labour of love.
He added, “We did the whole film ourselves, managed to get some of Hollywood’s best technicians on board. We see it as our prayer for Ireland. It is very emotional for us and something we really believe in.”
The film stars Colm Meaney as an old school detective asked to investigate a series of murders before he retires. Meaney brings a world weary presence to the central role as a man whose daughter was killed during the Troubles and is now called upon to protect the people he once hunted down.
As the past catches up with former combatants, the film builds to an exciting climax and has an intriguing twist at the end.
Authenticity was guaranteed by the use of local actors including Tim McGarry and Olivia Nash – Da and Ma from ‘Give My Head Peace’ – playing serious roles.
A Belfast story will be released on September 20th and is being shown at Newry Omniplex. Further information is available at www.abelfaststory.com
New post Troubles thriller examines Northern Ireland’s ‘uneasy peace’
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