Northern Ireland Screen has today shared the news that Cathy Brady’s film Wildfire will have its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which takes place in September.
Developed and produced with funding from NI Screen, Wildfire is the first feature film from the Newry writer/director.
Filmed on location in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Wildfire stars the late Danika McGuigan, alongside Magdalene Sisters actor Nora-Jane Noone.
It tells the story of a missing woman who returns home, igniting an intense bond with her sister. United, they unearth their mother’s past but the truth has devastating consequences.
Speaking about the film’s selection, Cathy Brady said: “I’m deeply honoured and proud to have Wildfire premiere at TIFF.
"This film is very close to our hearts and all the more poignant as Nika, our incredible co lead actress, lost her brief but brave battle with cancer during post-production. What a tribute it will be to finally share this film at TIFF. Thank you to all the cast, crew, producers and financiers for your support and dedication.”
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes place from September 10-19 and has been tailored to fit the times with physical screenings and drive-ins, digital screenings, virtual red carpets, press conferences, and industry talks.
In recent years, films from Northern Ireland have had a consistent presence at TIFF, with six films selected for screening in the past five years.
This news from Toronto follows hot on the heels of Venice Film Festival which announced earlier this week that Northern Ireland-shot Nowhere Special has been selected for its 2020 line-up.
Speaking about the news today Richard Williams, CEO of Northern Ireland Screen, said: “It is certainly a good week for the screen industry when two internationally renowned film festivals have :selected two films that were made in Northern Ireland.
"It is particularly exciting and well deserved that an A-list festival such as Toronto has chosen to champion Cathy’s debut feature film. Venice and Toronto are incredible platforms at which to showcase local talent. Audiences at both festivals are in for a real treat. We offer our huge congratulations to the cast and crew involved in Nowhere Special and Wildfire.”
An Irish-UK co-production, Wildfire is supported by the BFI, Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen and the Wellcome Trust.
It has not yet been made public when the film will be premiered in the UK.
