TG4 feature length drama-documentary The Queen v Patrick O’Donnell has received positive receptions at numerous international film festivals and will next feature at the upcoming Ontario International Film Festival.
Produced by Rosg for TG4, The Queen v Patrick O’Donnell recounts the story of the controversial conviction and hanging of Patrick O’Donnell from the Donegal Gaeltacht who became a national hero in Ireland for killing the infamous traitor and informer James Carey in 1883 off the coast of South Africa. British Home Office files kept secret for 100 years throw new light on the matter.
Speaking about its success the film’s producer, Ciarán Ó Cofaigh said, “The response to our film has been a real joyous experience for us. It’s very hard to get selected for film festivals and competition is always very strong.
“Our most recent selection for The Newport Film Festival has added to the momentum and continues to place us on an international stage,” Ó Cofaigh added. “Irish language films should be competing on an international level at prestigious festivals like Newport and that’s where ROSG aspires to be.”
The film was directed by Tomás Seoighe, and produced by Ciarán Ó Cofaigh, Eilís Ní Cheallaigh and Seán Ó Cuirreáin for ROSG. The film was funded by TG4, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Fís Éireann and Section 481 through the Department of Revenue.
Máire Ní Chonláin, Commissioning Editor with TG4, commended the success of the film saying: “TG4 is very proud of what The Queen v Patrick O’Donnell has achieved with its success at numerous international film festivals.”
“TG4 has invested in young Irish-language talent from its nascency and this film among other films being produced by independent Irish producers for TG4 offers an opportunity for them to showcase their talent and skills at the highest level and opens doors for them in the global market,” Ni Chonláin added.