East-West
Keith Farrell, Tile Media Ltd
Language: English
Based On: Original Screenplay
Project Type: Feature Film (Scripted)
Genre: Thriller
Stage of Development: Second Stage Screen Ireland development
Estimated Length (minutes): 90mins
Director: Keith Farrell
Director Bio:
Keith Farrell began his career at Granada TV before moving into freelance directing with the IFTA nominated series, “Ireland Nazis”(History). As a producer & writer/director he has made documentary series for international and domestic broadcasters including “Clear the Way” (Smithsonian), “Death on the Railroad” (PBS), “The Lost Ship” (FIVE), Saving the Titanic (Channel4, PBS, ZDF) and “Assassins” (Virgin). His multi-award winning feature length docudrama “A Terrible Beauty...” was nominated for four IFTA awards (2016), winning Best Cinematography. His concert docudrama “Death or Liberty” won best documentary at Spotlight Film Festival in Atlanta and was nominated for best documentary IFTA (2017). His short films, "Jubilee Nurse" won the Consulate Award at the Chicago Irish Film Festival (2016), “Rabbit Punch” won best short at Bolton Film Festival and Omaha Film Festival (2018), while his next four shorts screened at multiple Oscar and BAFTA qualifying festivals, including “Girl Alone” winning Best Short at High Peak Film Festival (2020). He won best director at the 2023 Manchester Film Festival for is debut feature film, “Wait for Me” before its release in UK cinemas. In 2026 his next feature “East/West” set in Manchester's Irish community with the support of Screen Ireland will go into production.
Proposed or Confirmed Talent: Fiona Kinsella - Producer
Total Budget: €2
Percent Confirmed: 40+%
Currency: € EUR
List names of confirmed partners: Section 481 - Screen Ireland
What is this project seeking? Financing, Sales Agent, Co-production Partner
Logline: A young Afro-Caribbean Irishman flees his criminal family in Manchester for a new life in rural Ireland but he cannot escape his past.
Synopsis:
After his father dies, Afro-Caribbean Irishman Ryan O’Connor-Tull (18), is taken under the wing of his gangster uncle, Frank. When he is unwillingly caught up in a gangland murder in Manchester, Ryan realizes the criminal life is not for him. Ryan flees the city with a bag that unbeknownst to him contains his uncle's encrypted ipad recording his proceeds from crime.
Ryan escapes to Mayo, Ireland and the farm of his late mother. It's an uncomfortable homecoming, neither his grandmother Bridget (60s) or bachelor uncle Jimmy (40s) have seen Ryan in over a decade and his arrival suddenly overturns their comfortable existence. As he reconnects with his mother's family and begins to learn the ropes on the farm, Ryan tries to find a place in the rural community, not an easy thing to do when you are the only black person in the town. He starts learning how to work the farm and dating a local girl, Sinead (20). His arrival raises eyebrows, not least from the local Garda Maggie Chao (30s) who is suspicious of the new arrival.
When Ryan gets into a fight with Sinead's former partner Mark (21), Maggie has the excuse she needs to arrest Ryan. Back in Manchester, Frank discovers where his nephew is hiding and departs for Ireland.
Frank arrives at the farm and a climatic confrontation occurs. In the ensuing shoot out Ryan is wounded and Jimmy is killed by Frank. Maggie Chao comes to Ryan's rescue killing Frank.
With his uncle dead, Ryan realises he has to return to Manchester and help bring the rest of his former gang to justice or his Irish family will never be truly safe.
Postscript - 3 years later:
Ryan newly released from prison gets off the bus in Kiltimagh. He has come home.
Contact Information: keith@tilemedia.ie
