THERE’S an Oscar buzz around West Belfast this week with the news that Twinbrook man Terry George has been nominated for one of the most prestigious accolades in the motion picture industry.
Terry’s short film, ‘The Shore’, which he wrote, directed and produced, was announced as one of the final nominees in the ‘Live Action Short Film’ category of the 84th Academy Awards which takes place on February 26 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
The film tells the story of an Irish exile (played by Ciarán Hinds) who fled to America 25 years ago to escape Belfast's violence and is now bringing his grown-up daughter back to meet his childhood friends. The film was made with the help of Terry’s own family and friends and was shot entirely on the County Down coast.
Terry has already received two Oscar nominations, one in 1993 for ‘Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium’ for ‘In the Name of the Father’, and ‘Best Writing, Original Screenplay’ in 2004 for ‘Hotel Rwanda’.
Speaking to the Andersonstown News from America, Terry said he was delighted by the nomination.
“It’s great news not only for the team of local actors that were involved but for the team of people who spent so much time and love on it,” he said.
Terry’s brother, Michael, a well-known community worker with the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, spoke of how the film was a joint George effort.
“The making of The Shore was a real family affair,” explained Michael.
“Terry’s daughter Oorlagh co-produced the film and my sister Catherine did the costume design. My daughter also appears in it and I’m even in the background. Most of the wider family circle had parts. There’s also a real buzz in Killough [the County Down area where most of the film was shot] and everyone is delighted for Terry. It’s given the place a real boost.”
Michael said the George family would be descending on Killough’s Anchor Bar on Oscars night to watch the results come in.
“There’s going to be a bit of a shindig there as that’s where some of the scenes were shot,” he said. “Hopefully there will be some celebrating done that night!”
Michael extended the family’s thanks to Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Managing Director of the Belfast Media Group, for his part in helping to put the wheels in motion for the film project.
“The whole thing came together because of the work of Máirtín, who brought Lough Shore Investments to meet Oorlagh,” he said.
See also From the Balcony, page 22.
