Irish director Frank Berry (Teenage Kicks, Into the Light; The Making of an Opera) has been announced as the 2011 winner of the Directors Finders Series. Frank Berry will now showcase his debut feature doc at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in LA on 9th September 2011. The showcase will take place in front of an invited audience of American distributors, filmmakers, and key industry personnel, with the aim of securing a US distribution deal for the film.
‘Ballymun Lullaby’ tells the story of music teacher Ron Cooney who has been working in the Republic of Ireland’s only high-rise housing estate for fifteen years. During this time he has seen the area undergo a dramatic transformation. ‘Ballymun Lullaby’ explores the heart of this local community through music.
The Directors Finders Series 2010 was won by Ian Power for ‘The Runway’, which went on to secure a US distribution deal. ‘Ballymun Lullaby’ director Frank Berry commented on the selection saying “I am delighted to be given this incredible opportunity and to be presenting 'Ballymun Lullaby' at the Director’s Guild of America theatre on Sunset Boulevard.” The filmmaker was congratulated by Ciaran Donnelly, Chairman of SDGI, who said Berry's selection was "indicative of his remarkable creative ability."
The Finders Series, conceived by the Directors Guild of America and facilitated by the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, presents an Irish director with an opportunity to showcase their film and to have direct access to decision makers in the film distribution process in the US.
