A film on the Holylands is set to be released on the big screen next month, with Jimmy Nesbitt joining in on the “heartfelt riot”.
The UnHolylands, written and directed by Enniskillen man Paddy Duffy, is based on his experiences in the infamous student-populated area of south Belfast.
While its release was intended for late last year, the raucous spiel will finally make its world premiere as part of the Belfast Film Festival at the Odeon cinema in Victoria Square on November 6.
An official synopsis explains that its storyline follows step brothers Michael and Scott in their final week of university, coming to terms with graduating, while leaving behind their “wild life” in the Holylands.
“Their reputation for partying has left them with an ultimatum between a dream job at their father’s law firm or one last blow-out”.
Peter Jeffries, Ciaran McCourt and Paddy Duffy on set
With that final blow-out on the cards, star Nesbitt went all-out to ensure that he could be part of what Paddy has described as “one of the best comedy movies to come out of Ireland”.
Belfast actor Ciaran McCourt plays Michael, with Peter Jeffries as Scott.
“Every time we thought we had the film finished, something else would come up and we all, Paddy especially, wanted it to be perfect,” Ciaran said.
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“Jimmy Nesbitt had been sent the movie earlier this year, and I got a text from him when I was on the train home in London one night.
“He rang me and was like, ‘I absolutely love it. Is there anything I can do to help? Do you want to write me in a part?’
“We were already in post-production, but we opened it up again, wrote him a part. He’s a minor character and came down to the Holylands to film it. It was just incredible.”
Nesbitt plays himself, albeit what’s described as an “amplified version”.
Country music singer Nathan Carter and boxer Tyrone McKenna also have small roles, but celebrity cameos and star support aside, the movie can stand up on its own merits — the team behind it are sure of that.
It has been met with positive feedback following a private screening in April to over 200 people at Queen’s Film Theatre.
Thee UnHolylands official movie poster
Paddy, leading duo Ciaran and Peter, and producer Thomas Pollock, believe that while it’s a student-based story, it can appeal to all ages and areas.
“It has to relate to people that lived in the Holylands even 30 years ago as well, and definitely because the likes of Jimmy Nesbitt is involved, that just shows the appeal,” Paddy said.
“This is one of the first films now, especially from out of the north, that doesn’t mention any political content or themes. This is what the future I think is going to be like from here, and I think that’s why people appreciate it as well.
“There’s no mention of the Troubles. I don’t even think there’s a single Catholic or Protestant kind of joke in there either, and that was my experience living in the Holylands.”
Peter, who is from near Edinburgh and was born to Scottish and American parents, is certain the film will appeal to international audiences,
“The whole experience was unbelievable,” he said.
“It gave me the whole feeling of being back in university.”