Film based on story of Ann Lovett to be shown in Longford and Roscommon
A feature film which follows the true story of 15-year-old Ann Lovett who gave birth in a grotto in Granard will be screened in the Omniplex cinemas in Longford and Roscommon later this month.
'ANN', an observational narrative drama, is set over one day, the January 31, 1984. This story will shine a light into the last day of Ann Lovett's life, a girl alone abandoned by society, by its prejudices, taboos and traditions.
The film will be released on Friday, April 28 and was shot in Boyle, Co. Roscommon during the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2021, with the assistance of the Film Office in Roscommon County Council.
It was made in association with RTE and stars Eileen Walsh, Ian Beattie, Zara Devlin, Senna O’Hara, Frank O’Sullivan, Joe Mullins and Sean T. O’Meallaigh. It was shot on location in Boyle Co. Roscommon,
The world premiere of 'Ann' took place at the 'A' category International Federation of Film Producers' Associations (FIAPF) accredited Tallinn Black Nights International Film festival in November 2022 where it had been selected for the main competition. Following on from its world premiere in Tallinn, it was selected for a further two 'A' category FIAPF accredited festivals, which were the Cairo International Film Festival and International Film Festival of India, Goa.
At the 2023 Dublin International Film Festival, Ann had its Irish premiere where it picked up the Michael Dwyer Discovery Award for Zara Devlin's portrayal of Ann Lovett. Following on from the success at Dublin International Film Festival, Ann received two nominations for the 2023 Irish Film and Television Awards for Lead Actress (Zara Devlin) and Supporting Actress (Eileen Walsh).
The film was directed by Ciaran Creagh whose credits include 'In View', a feature he wrote and directed which won Best Screenplay at the Rhode Island International Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Newcomer Award at the Mannheim-Heidelberg Film Festival. He also wrote the feature 'Parked', starring Colm Meaney. 'Parked' was nominated in four categories at the Irish Film and Television Awards and won Best First Feature at the Galway Film Festival and Best Screenplay at the 2012 Foggia Film Festival.