Northern Irish actor and author Ciaran McMenamin’s hit 2018 novel Skintown is making its way to the big screen, thanks to Keeper Pictures and Cyprus Avenue Films. And the cherry on top? Anthony Boyle (Masters of The Air) and Josh Finan (Say Nothing) have been roped in to play the lead roles. Can you feel the excitement in the air?
What’s The Story?
The film, helmed by director Kieron J. Walsh (When Brendan Met Trudy, JUMP!, The Racer), is set in the mid-90s during the IRA ceasefire. It follows the escapades of two best friends who are determined to break free from their mundane existence in a small Irish town. Their journey takes them through a whirlwind of raves, drugs, and gangs as they dream big, only to be hit hard by the harsh realities of the world around them. Picture this: a buddy movie full of the madness of Kneecap and the wit of Derry Girls, with vibes reminiscent of Trainspotting and Twin Town. Sounds like a rollercoaster ride, doesn’t it?
Behind The Scenes
The cameras are set to roll in mid-2025, with funding from Screen Ireland and support from Northern Ireland Screen. And let’s not forget the early backing from Visit Film’s Ryan Kampe and his film incubator Pretty Ideas. The brains behind this project are producers Yvonne Donohoe (Keeper Pictures) and Brendan J. Byrne (Cyprus Avenue Films), with the visionary Katie Holly of Keeper Pictures (known for Love and Friendship, Mr Malcolm’s List, and ExtraOrdinary) serving as executive producer. The team will be strutting their stuff at Cannes to woo potential partners. Cannes, here they come!
“Skintown is a gem of a script that captures a pivotal moment in our recent history through the eyes of two friends yearning to break free from the war surrounding them,” gushes Donohoe and Byrne. “Their journey is a mix of laughter and tears, giving viewers a glimpse of a time when everyday folks were just trying to survive amidst the chaos of war. Skintown has the power to tell our story like never before, and we are thrilled to have Anthony Boyle and Josh Finan on board, whose chemistry on screen is nothing short of electric.”
The Finishing Touch
McMenamin’s gripping novel was published by Penguin Random House in 2018. Do we hear a round of applause for this spectacular journey from page to screen? It’s safe to say that Skintown is all set to bring the 90s back to life with a bang!
