Peacefire

Colour, 35 mm
Ireland, United Kingdom, 2008, 87 min
WP – World premiere
Section: Forum of Independents

Synopsis

Although an inconspicuous residential area of a Northern Irish town is a seemingly dull place to live, the conflict between the Irish Republican Army and British loyalists make it a specific environment formed by its own rules and the constant presence of danger. Colin, whose father was killed in the Troubles, knocks around with a gang that gets its kicks off stealing cars and reckless night-time joyrides. When he gets arrested and is given an offer of collaborating with the police instead of going to jail, the problems can only get worse. It’s simply a question of time before the adolescent youngster, who moreover is tormented by a sense of betraying his dead father, is discovered by the local IRA as an informer. The film is firmly anchored in a unique environment but at the same time has an emotional impact that is universal. The fatalistic undertone, authentic dialogues, the cool-headed direction that allows the scenes to resonate with the audience, as well as the typology of characters demoralised by their social situation, calls to mind the dramas of British director Mike Leigh.

About the director

Macdara Vallely (b. Craigavon, Northern Ireland, UK) graduated in theatre studies and the Irish language from the University of Ulster. In 2003 he made his first short film, The Love Bite, which went on to receive international billing. In 2005 he came out with his second short, Fíorghael. Outside of Ireland, the director’s theatre plays Voice of the Sea and Peacefire were also staged in New York. Vallely has also devoted himself to community work with young people and was the creator of a children’s theatre adaptation of The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde, which was seen by more than 15,000 children in New York. Peacefire is his screenwriting and directorial debut.