Director Frank Kelly (Derelict) has completed production of the first film from Ablevision Ireland. Ablevision is an exciting new Irish project where intellectually challenged students are given the opportunity to work with people in film and media, to both gain experience and to develop original projects.
It was launched in DKIT and there are ambitions to take it to colleges all over Ireland and to have their project broadcast. Their first film, a documentary called ‘Through the same lens’ was broadcast on Sky 212 earlier this year.
Joe & Sarah is a short film developed by the group over a period of weeks and written for the screen and directed by Frank Kelly. Featuring members of the group Stephen Kernaghan and Anne Farrell in the lead roles, as well as actors Gerry Shanahan, Sharon Skerritt, Geraldine White, Niall O’Brien and Robin Barnes.
Joe & Sarah tells the story of a couple with Down Syndrome, who want to be together but are stopped by an over protective father, played by Gerry Shanahan. They decide to run away, but are ill prepared for the reality of being on the streets.
“It was an honour to be asked to help the group make a short film,” stated Kelly, “I have never done anything like this before, but it’s turned into one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve ever worked on. It’s a great Initiative.”
The film will premiere at the 1st annual Ablevision Ireland Film Festival to be held on May 17th at the Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda. The day will include workshops on filmmaking, including a workshop by Kelly on independent film production.
