Cavan on Camera
The Cavan showreel continues to grow with the release of the latest cinematic offering by Granard duo Harp Media. Robert Higgins and Patrick McGivney shot part of their latest film in Gowna.
Lakelands is the debut full length feature from Robert and Patrick whose short film Drifting, starring the BAFTA-winning Paul Mescal, premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh last year to critical acclaim.
Lakelands is filmed on location in Granard, Longford and surrounding areas such as Gowna. It stars Éanna Hardwicke (Normal People, Vivarium), Danielle Galligan (Netflix’s Shadow and Bone), Lorcan Cranitch (Bloodlands, The Dig), Dafhyd Flynn (Michael Inside), Dara Devaney (Arracht), and Gary Lydon (Calvary).
It tells the story of a young Gaelic footballer, Cian, who struggles to comes to terms with a career-ending injury sustained on a night out. Lakelands follows him as he undertakes a search for his own identity in a small town in the midlands, where Gaelic football is a religion and identity is defined by what you can do on the pitch.
Speaking about the film and the Wildcard acquisition, Writer/Director Robert Higgins said: “Lakelands is a very personal film for both of us and bringing it to life with such a talented cast and crew has been an incredible experience. We’ve always felt the world of smalltown GAA would make a good backdrop for a film and look forward to sharing it.’
Writer/director Patrick McGivney added: “We’re delighted to be working with Wildcard Distribution on bringing Lakelands to the widest possible audience. This film has been a real passion project for us from the beginning and the whole community of Granard rowed in behind us to help make it a reality.’
Patrick O’Neill, Managing Director of Wildcard Distribution said “Everyone at Wildcard is thrilled to be working on this very special film. We were so impressed with the script when we read it, and couldn’t wait to be involved. Patrick and Robert have assembled a wonderful cast and crew, and we can’t wait for Irish audiences to see the finished film.”
The film is made with funding from Creative Ireland, Longford Arts Office, Backstage Theatre, Longford LEO, and received development funding from Screen Ireland. The project won the Bankside Films Marketplace Award at last year’s Galway Film Fleadh.