merrion street

Jimmy Deenihan TD Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will this evening, Wednesday 10 April 2013 attend the premiere of "Pilgrim Hill", the debut feature film from Kerry filmmaker, Gerard Barrett - winner of the 2013 Irish Film and Television Academy 'Rising Star' Award and the Bingham Ray 'New Talent' Award at the Galway Film Fleadh last year.

The film examines the topic of rural isolation. The main character, Jimmy Walsh is a farmer in rural Ireland. Like the landscape he inhabits, his life is bleak and hard. Looking after an ageing sick father, life is passing him by as he comes to terms with his changing circumstances. Gerard wanted to highlight the struggle that small farmers are going through now and what the future may hold for them. He wanted to explore their lives and develop a character that an audience can relate to.

Speaking in advance of the premiere night Minister Deenihan said: "I want to wish Gerard continued success, I congratulate him on this his debut film and his achievements over the last nine months, particularly, the awards that he has received at international festivals such as Telluride, Colorado and Busan in South Korea. But as with all awards it is being recognised among your own that is most welcome and for Gerard and his parents receiving an IFTA was an immensely proud moment".

"I also want to congratulate the star of the film Joe Mullins from Limerick for his outstanding performance and I am sure that he too has a big future ahead of him" Minister Deenihan concluded.