Actors Daphne Cheung and Aidan O'Callaghan, who appear in 'A Simple Killing', which was filmed in Shinrone earlier this year. They were in California for a screening of the film at the recent Newport Beach Film Festival.

Offaly film set for Oscar and BAFTA qualifying event after successful US screening

A film that was made in Offaly at the beginning of this year is set to take part in an Oscar and BAFTA qualifying festival, where the winners will be in consideration for the two prestigious awards events.

A Simple Killing, which was shot on location at Bellefield House and Gardens in Shinrone in January, was recently screened for the first time in the Unites States, at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Actors Aidan O'Callaghan and Daphne Cheung, who appear in A Simple Killing along with fellow actor Claire Gavin, travelled to California to attend the US screening.

The short film, which was written by Mark Conway and directed by Jason Branagan, was funded by the FilmOffaly Short Film Award through the Offaly Arts Office.

A scene from 'A Simple Killing'.

It tells the story of a Vietnamese woman named Mai, who is contemplating the end of her life when she meets the distressed and pregnant Anna who is seeking refuge from her abusive partner Terry.

As their lives intertwine in an unexpected way they discover the ties that bind them together and the decisions that can’t be undone.

The film will now go forward to the Foyle Film Festival in Derry, which is an Academy Award and BAFTA qualifying festival through its Light in Motion short film competition.

The Foyle Film Festival takes place in late November, with the winners being announced on December 1.