The insightful IFTA Screen Discussions Series continues this week with Clare Dunne’s powerful female-driven drama, Herself.
Writer/actor Clare Dunne, who co-wrote and stars in what is her feature debut, will be joined by director Phyllida Lloyd (The Iron Lady) and producer Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe)
The film is directed by Phyllida Lloyd (The Iron Lady) and co-written by Clare Dunne who also stars in what is her feature debut, alongside Harriet Walter (Killing Eve, Succession). After receiving its world premiere to critical acclaim at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, it made its UK premiere at the London Film Festival on 8th October.
Herself follows the story of Sandra (Clare Dunne), who on the surface of it, is a young Mum struggling to provide her two young daughters with a warm, safe, happy home to grow up in. Beneath the surface, Sandra has a steely determination to change their lives for the better and when it becomes clear that there are no other options left to her, she decides to build it herself from scratch, drawing together a community of friends to support her. Supporting cast includes Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones) and Cathy Belton (Philomena).
The film is co-written by Clare Dunne and Malcolm Campbell (What Richard Did). It was co-developed by Element Pictures and Merman. Herself is produced by Academy Award® nominee Ed Guiney (The Favourite, The Lobster) and Rory Gilmartin (Rosie) for Element, together with BAFTA award-winning actress, writer, producer, and director Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe, Divorce).
The IFTA Screen Discussions Series, which includes online Q&A events, interviews & Panel discussions with the filmmakers and talent involved - Directors, Writers, Producers, Acting and Craft, ensures that each film has every opportunity to engage with Irish Academy Members and Voters throughout the viewing and voting period. The online series also providing the general public with an invaluable insight into what goes into making a top-calibre film.