by Rose Rushe
€20,000 from City of Culture in funding was the entire budget for a new film, ‘All Washed Up’ which premiered – against the clock – at Richard Harris International Film Festival.
Starring Jon Kenny as an old-school actor who has lost his way, ‘All Washed Up’ proved a strong opener in the presence of Hollywood actors Jared and Jamie Harris, Jack Reynor, producer Noel Pearson and industry reps.
Talking to Arts page after the 25 minute screening, a knackered Keith Bogue (writer, producer) confessed his delight at the film’s reception. He had fulsome praise for director Ivan McMahon, Tom Newman of ‘Tubular Bells’ on sound-mix and the Limerick based cast and crew.
“The whole cast of actors, John, Maeve McGrath, John Murphy, Nigel (Mercier), Liam O’Brien, gave so much work to the project. Jon Kenny was just unbelievable,” Bogue made clear. “This idea began six, seven years ago when I wrote the screenplay in homage to actors who brought theatre all round Ireland and did fit-ups [show].
“It’s about men such as Michael Mac Liammoir, Hilton Edwards, Orson Welles, that generation of actors”.
Working against the clock, director and producer put in a 72-hour shift to sift and cut the film’s final edit, making the red carpet roll-out at Festival.
Its inclusion defines the best objectives of the programme, to consolidate, promote, incentivise film making in the region, be it by an external outfit or locally based producers.
With ‘All Washed Up’ shot in Limerick, Kilkee and Ballybunion, Bogue, Limerick based himself, acknowledges a twist in the bohemian tale: “What the ending is a about, it’s what people come up against and we forge through. His world is at a low spot….”
More dots, Reader, to fudge disclosure.
Again, Keith Bogue waxes on the strength of his lead Kenny (pictured), whom “I always wanted for it having worked with him years ago. No one else. He gave 100, 150, 200, 500 per cent”.
Agreed by audience.
