Belturbet film-maker hits States for funding

Belturbet filmmaker Kevin McCann continues his stint in the US where he has been touring New York, Boston and Chicago in order to drum up support to finance his film about the Easter Rising, writes Seamus Enright.

Titled 'The Rising’, the film follows local hero Seán MacDiarmada from Leitrim, but who spent much of his formative years in Blacklion. MacDiarmada is widely considered to have been the mastermind of the 1916 rebellion and hero to Michael Collins.

It will be first motion picture to be produced on the rebellion, the commemorations of which are due to take place in just two years’ time and it is expected to cost in the region of €4m to bring it to the big screen.

Having secured initial grant aid from Leitrim County Council to research the script and Northern Ireland Screen, the film board in Belfast, co-financing the screenplay, McCann has now approached Cavan County Council for further financial support to attract a major feature film to the county.

Donations and investments ranging from $100 to $10,000 have already been committed to 'The Rising’ film project and those interested in supporting this project can contact Kevin McCann at kevin@maccana.ie or +1 917 371 5562.

Meanwhile, 'Volkswagen Joe’, produced by McCann and written by his father, Brendan, continues its winning streak on the film festival circuit.