Shattered lives, sisterhood – and secrets

A poignant film which tells the tale of two inseparable sisters whose lives were shattered by the mysterious death of their mother in the fractious border town where they grew up is coming to Omagh for a special screening. The Subterranean Community Cinema, Omagh, will be showing ‘Wildfire’ this Friday (February 25) in the Community House, Market Street at 8pm.

Co-starring Nora-Jane Noone and the late Nika McGuigan as the two sisters (Lauren and Kelly, respectively), alongside Kate Dickie, Martin McCann and Helen Beha, the powerful motion picture is the debut of Newry-born director, Cathy Brady.

Ms Brady recently won the prestigious ‘Debut Screenwriter Award’ at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) for the film, as well as picking up the coveted ‘Best Director’ accolade at the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) awards.

Touring the North as part of the ‘Film Hub NI Collective’ – a programme that brings local films to local places – Wildfire delves into the lives of sisters, Kelly and Lauren, who ignite their intense bond as they unearth their mother’s past.

However, uncovered secrets and resentments which have been buried deep threaten to overwhelm them.

Cathy says that she is ‘absolutely delighted’ that audiences throughout the North are getting the chance to see Wildfire.

“It feels like it’s a homecoming as the story is set here,” she said. “I can’t wait to see how local audiences connect to these characters and their stories,” she said. “The lead performances of Nika and Nora are remarkable, and are made to be seen on the big screen.”

Sadly, Nika died during the post-production of the film.

“We were all deeply-shocked and saddened when Nika tragically died,” Cathy said. “To have known Nika, and be known by her, is one of the greatest gifts I’ve had in my life.”

‘Spectacular’

Sara Gunn-Smith, marketing and audiences officer for Film Hub NI, described ‘Wildfire’ as a ‘spectacular film’.

“It has received critical acclaim since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, with prestigious awards for both Cathy as screenwriter from the BIFA; and Nika from the IFTA; posthumously for best actress,” she said. “Given the impact that Covid-19 has had on cinemas in recent times, it is wonderful that we can give Northern Ireland audiences the opportunity to view this amazing film now and celebrate our incredible local cast and crew.”

Developed and produced with funding from Northern Ireland Screen, and filmed on location in the North and the South of Ireland, Wildfire is produced by David Collins for Samson Films; Charles Steel for Cowboy Films; and Carlo Cresta-Dina for Tempesta Films; and distributed by Modern Films.

Film Hub NI is part of the BFI Film Audience Network, a UK-wide project to ensure that the greatest choice of film is available to diverse audiences across Northern Ireland.

The initiative is supported through National Lottery funding, distributed by the British Film Institute.

To book tickets for Wildfire, please visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk

For further information about Film Hub NI, please visit: ‘www.filmhubni.org’.

l The Subterranean Community Cinema, Omagh, will be showing ‘Wildfire’ this Friday (February 25) in the Community House, Market Street at 8pm.