When announcing the award Cinema Without Borders Editor-in-Chief Bijan Tehrani said “The film that shone the brightest and earned HP’s 2013 Bridging the Borders Award-presented by Cinema Without Borders -takes the audience on an adventurous journey on New Year’s Eve to witness people from all walks of life-regardless of differences and conflicts-coming together to face tragedies, endure the present, and look for a better future. JUMP, the brilliant work directed by Kieron J. Walsh, demonstrates the power of a film to eliminate social barriers and unite people behind a powerful idea. ”
After receiving the award, a delighted Kieron J. Walsh said “I am absolutely delighted to receive the Bridging the Borders award for my film Jump. It’s really fitting that my film receives this particular award as the film is set in Derry City, Northern Ireland – a city with a troubled past. Less that ten miles from the city is the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – a much disputed border due to religion and politics. My film is one of the first films to emerge from Northern Ireland which does not dwell on this border and purposely ignores the religious and political dimension of the region. It’s not that I am in denial about the situation – there have been many terrific films about the conflict in Northern Ireland but for most people who live there life goes on as normal, like any small western city and my film attempts to show that. In this way I hope it bridges the divide between the people of Derry and exposes them and their lives to the world”.
The film’s producer Brendan Byrne added, “Jump depicts a Northern Ireland never before seen on screen. We’re delighted that the film’s freshness with its subtle echoes of Northern Ireland’s troubled past has captivated the jury and garnered us this prestigious award. Jump follows four twenty-somethings whose lives collide one fateful New Year’s Eve amidst the ancient walls of Derry, Northern Ireland in a night of fast-talk, coincidence and intrigue. As the clock ticks down to midnight, Jump weaves an existential portrait of its characters’ lives as their hopes, fears and secrets are revealed.”
The project is an official UK/Irish co-production and was produced by Brendan J Byrne for Hotshot Films together with Katie Holly of Blinder Films. It was funded by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board, Northern Ireland Screen, BBC and Limelight and previously screened at numerous international film festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival.
The cast includes Nichola Burley (Wuthering Heights, Street Dance 3D), Martin McCann (Killing Bono, Shadow Dancer), Valene Kane (At The End of the Day), Richard Dormer (Good Vibrations) and Charlene McKenna (Raw).
Jump will be released in cinemas across Ireland in April 2013.
