North Mayo to feature in new Hollywood movie
FILMING is currently underway in Erris for a new feature film, Cry From The Sea.
The movie, which is a Canadian-Irish production, features a star-studded line-up, including ‘Captain America: The First Avenger‘ and musical ‘Mamma Mia‘ star Dominic Cooper as well as Sarah Gadon, Aidan Quinn and Sarah Bolger.
Written by Ciaran Creagh, Cry From The Sea is set in the aftermath of World War I and the Irish Civil War. The film centres around Cooper’s character, Seamus Óg Mac Grianna, an Irish lighthouse keeper who has created a life of isolation and ritual in penance for a tragedy he feels he should have prevented.
His only company is Maire (Bolger), his housekeeper and protector, who enables him to remain closed off from the world while quietly waiting for him to see her.
His meticulously structured world begins to crack thought when he meets Edith (Gadon), an outspoken American war widow whose quest for closure ignites something in Seamus that will forever change them all.
The movie is set to showcase the natural splendour of Erris and bring its beauty to screens all over the globe. Shooting will take place around the area but in particular at Ballyglass Lighthouse.
Manager of Mayo North Tourism, Mairéad Melody Carr, said“Erris and north Mayo in general is an untapped area from a film producers perspective. Its natural and rugged beauty is the perfect setting for any movie.
“If managed carefully ‘film tourism’ is a real possibility for this area. It would boost the local economy and fill in gaps caused by seasonal tourism lulls.”
The film has also shot scenes in Donegal, but for now, the people of Erris will have their eyes peeled to spot cast members in the area. Yesterday, Aidan Quinn was spotted out and about at the world class Carne Golf Links whist Dominic Cooper was in McDonnell’s bar in Belmullet over the weekend.
Mayo North Tourism are encouraging locals to be sure and tag @mayonorth on your social media if you are lucky enough to spot some of the stars out and about.
Cry From The Sea is being directed by Vic Sarin and produced by Vancouver-based Sepia Films and Dublin-based ShinAwiL, who also work on Home of the Year and Dancing With The Stars for RTÉ.