Athlone's Leah premieres short film 'Shelter'

Athlone actor and director Leah Egan premiered her latest work 'Shelter' at the 37th Galway Film Fleadh last week.

The short film was featured as part of the collective premiere 'Irish Fiction 3 - The Land' on Friday last, July 11 in Galway's Town Hall Theatre.

The collection of Irish fiction shorts explored ties between people and place, where land, memory, and history intertwine.

Shot on location in Wines Direct in Athlone’s Magazine Road, ‘Shelter’ is a French/Ukrainian language film situated in a Ukrainian war bunker.

Its storyline centres on three women who have been thrown together by world events as they forge a meaningful connection. Forced beyond the spoken word through the unifying lens of a child, they find shared humanity, resilience, and strength.

Coosan native Leah said: "I'm honoured to have screened alongside some cracking pieces of art at the 37th Galway Film Fleadh. The response to 'Shelter' was wonderful! Meaningful and heartfelt."

She thanked "every single person who sought me out and shared from the heart, those there who helped bring 'Shelter' to life, and especially to Holly and the entire team for having us."

The premiere of 'Shelter' at the Galway Film Fleadh was a milestone for the local creative, as it was the first time Leah showcased a film she both wrote and directed at the festival.