Danika McGuigan's final film before her death, Wildfire , is set to be released in cinemas across Northern Ireland and Ireland from Friday, September 3.
Directed by Newry-born filmmaker Cathy Brady, Wildfire has already received an Irish Film & TV award, and has been met with critical acclaim from critics.
Wildfire tells the story of two sisters who grew in a town along the border, during the tail-end of the troubles. McGuigan plays Kelly, the younger sister, who runs away from home following the death of her mother.
Kelly returns to Northern Ireland in the present day - amidst the renewed turmoil along the border created by Brexit - and tries to reconnect with her older sister Lauren (played by Nora-Jane Noone).
Together, they attempt to repair their fractured relationship, as well as deal with the aftermath of their mother's death.
In amongst this are other threats to their future - Kelly's precarious mental state; Lauren's relationship with her husband Sean (played by Belfast actor Martin McCann); the legacy of devastating bombings in the area; and the political problems of the day.
Reviewing the film positively, Belfast Live said that it was a "fitting final role for Nika McGuigan, who tragically passed away [in 2019]. It's a role which will almost certainly secure her legacy as someone who was setting out to be one of Ireland's best rising stars." Read the full review here.
Wildfire is Cathy Brady’s feature debut starring Nora-Jane Noone. The six-time IFTA nominated film received its world premiere to critical acclaim at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.
Speaking ahead of its release, Cathy Brady said: “I am so proud WILDFIRE will be screened in cinemas across Northern Ireland and Ireland. The success of the film and the support I have received is overwhelming and I cannot wait for people across Northern Ireland.
“This has been an extremely special film to write and direct. Shot across a number of locations in Northern Ireland including Belfast, Newry and Downpatrick, it was really important to me to showcase the beauty and tragedy of our local environment. I am so privileged to have worked with Nika and Nora-Jane, along with the rest of the cast, crew, producers and financiers, who have all been so committed in helping me achieve this. I’m thrilled to welcome audiences to the cinema to enjoy Wildfire from Friday.”
Here's where you can watch Wildfire in Northern Ireland:
OMNIPLEX ANTRIM J1
OMNIPLEX BANBRIDGE
OMNIPLEX BANGOR
OMNIPLEX BELFAST KENNEDY
OMNIPLEX CRAIGAVON
OMNIPLEX DOWNPATRICK
OMNIPLEX DUNDONALD
OMNIPLEX LARNE
OMNIPLEX LISBURN
OMNIPLEX NEWRY
QFT BELFAST
