A Northern Irish short film has officially been named as a 2023 Oscar nominee.
An Irish Goodbye, written and directed by East Belfast filmmaker Ross White and his creative partner Tom Berkeley, is one of the five nominees selected for the 'Best Live Action Short Film' category.
It is the only nominee in the category to be selected from the UK and Ireland in this year's awards.
Read more: Northern Irish short film nominated for a BAFTA Award
Last week it was announced that the film had been nominated for a BAFTA in the 'Best British Short Film' category, a success that the directors called "a dream come true".
The film stars Seamus O’Hara (The Northman, Game of Thrones), James Martin (Marcella, Ups and Downs), Paddy Jenkins (Hunger) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Fortitude).
On the news that the film had reached the top 15 in the 'Best Live Action Short' category earlier this month, Tom and Ross said they were completely overwhelmed by the honour.
They said: "It’s completely surreal to think that a wee film shot in Templepatrick is now rubbing shoulders with our cinematic heroes on an international stage.
"We cannot wait to introduce the film to a wider audience – thank you to everyone who has supported us in the journey so far!"
Set against the backdrop of a working farm in rural Northern Ireland, An Irish Goodbye is a black comedy following the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan following the untimely death of their mother.
Under the watchful eye of odd-ball parish priest Father O’Shea, the brothers’ pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Downs Syndrome.
A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcan’s dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides he’s sending him to live with their Aunt on the other side of Ireland.
But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: he’ll only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have themselves completed every single wish on their mother’s list…all one hundred of them.
Writers and Directors Tom Berkeley and Ross White commented: “Having grown up watching the Oscars every year from afar, we are completely honoured and overwhelmed by this nomination. The Academy Awards represent the very pinnacle of international filmmaking, and we are simply blown away to be a small part of this year’s celebration.
"All our thanks go to our generous, passionate and talented cast and crew; a wee film shot in Templepatrick has somehow made its way to Hollywood - this a dream come true. I mean, Steven Spielberg is going to be there, lads. Steven Spielberg.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen commented: “The Academy Awards is the gold-standard awards ceremony for the art of cinema, and we are truly delighted for Ross, Tom and the entire team behind An Irish Goodbye who have secured a prestigious Oscars nomination.
"We are so proud of the team who continue to rack up acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Northern Ireland Screen is very pleased to have supported An Irish Goodbye and wish them every success for awards season."
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