For the first time since 2013, the Galway Film Fleadh's 'Best Irish Film' and 'Best Irish First Feature' awards are going to the same home, with Philip Doherty's Redemption of a Rogue winning both accolades over the weekend.
Set in Cavan, the dark comedy stars one of the county's own, as the unfortunately named, Aaron Monaghan, leads a stellar cast. The movie also stars the likes of Aisling O'Mara, Kieran Roche and Kevin McGahern, not to mention acclaimed author, Pat McCabe, and Oscar-nominated screenwriter, Shane Connaughton.
With the Covid-19 pandemic forcing the Film Fleadh to stream its festival this year, Redemption of a Rogue made its world premiere online Saturday night to critical acclaim, with Screen International saying "Doherty’s assured debut has enough laughter, warmth and eccentricity to win hearts in Ireland … and far beyond.”
An award-winning playwright, this was Philip Doherty's first feature film. It tells the story of Jimmy Cullen, a prodigal son who returns to his home town in Cavan and finds himself stuck in a Groundhog Day-like neverending purgatory as he waits for a day without rain to bury his father.
Wildcard Distributions will be releasing the movie in Irish cinemas later this year and their managing director, Patrick O'Neill is delighted with the awards:
"Everyone at Wildcard is thrilled with the wins for Redemption of a Rogue at the Galway Film Fleadh. It's a massive achievement for the film, being the first film since 2013 to win both main awards. Congratulations to the filmmakers on a truly one of a kind Irish film! It is also a very proud day for the team at Wildcard, this is the fourth Wildcard film in the last five years to win the main award at the Fleadh."
Elsewhere at the Film Fleadh, Pat Collins' Henry Glassie: Field Work won 'Best Irish Documentary' for Pat's chronicling of renowned American folklorist, Henry Glassie. You can read the full list of award winners here.
