An Irish Goodbye, a short film created by East Belfast filmmaker Ross White and creative partner Tom Berkeley, has been shortlisted for the Oscars 2023 ‘Live Action Short’ category.
Out of over 200 films, An Irish Goodbye has been shortlisted for the ‘Live Action Short’ category at the 95th Academy Awards, which will be held in March this year.
The movie was written and directed by East Belfast filmmaker Ross White and his creative partner Tom Berkeley. Amongst some incredible names in the industry, the film has been shortlisted for the top 15.
NI short film shortlisted for Oscars 2023 – the only one from Ireland or the UK in this category
While the film has been shortlisted, the Academy of Motion Pictures will only choose between three and five short films to proceed in competing at the Oscars in March. As such, official finalist nominations will be announced on 24 January.
An Irish Goodbye is the only film from Ireland or the UK to be shortlisted for the ‘Live Action Short’ category this year.
Speaking about their success with the film so far, Ross and Tom said, “The whole team is absolutely overwhelmed that An Irish Goodbye has been recognised by the Academy in this way.
“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.
“Only time can tell how far we will go, but we’re honoured to be representing the UK & Ireland in the category.
“We cannot wait to introduce the film to a wider audience – thank you to everyone who has supported us in the journey so far!”.
An Irish Goodbye – what the movie is all about
A black comedy set in rural Northern Ireland, An Irish Goodbye tells the story of two estranged brothers, Turlough (Seamus O’Hara) and Lorcan (James Martin), reunited after the untimely death of their mother.
Also starring Paddy Jenkins, who plays the odd-ball parish priest, Father O’Shea, the brothers’ fractured reunion is made more complicated by the fact that Turlough must now make arrangements for his brother Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome.
Determined to continue his work on the farm, Lorcan’s dream is thwarted when Turlough decides to send him to live with his auntie on the other side of the country.
When the boys discover an unfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan takes it as an opportunity. He’ll move to the other side of Ireland once he and Turlough have completed every wish on their mother’s list, all 100 of them.
Another great Irish film – the second from this duo
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said, “We are incredibly proud of Tom and Ross and all the talented crew that made this wonderful short film.
“Special mention must also go to James who is an inspiration to so many and his starring role can only encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to follow their dreams and consider opportunities within the screen industry”.
An Irish Goodbye is the second short film from Ross White and Tom Berkeley, the first being Roy, and is produced by Floodlight Pictures with support from Northern Ireland Screen and BFI.
Finalists for the Oscars 2023 will be selected on 24 January, and the awards ceremony will take place on 12 March 2023.
