Hollywood director to speak at Laois premiere of film
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Laois film and tv fans have free chance to chat with Hollywood filmmaker at screeening of his latest short thriller shot on the Rock of Dunamaise
A Hollywood writer/director/producer is returning to Laois for a screening of his short crime film, shot on location in an iconic castle ruins in the county.
Ghost Whisperer creator John Gray has written and directed many Emmy nominated and critically acclaimed movies for television. He will be on stage with his wife and producing partner Melissa Jo Peltier, to discuss their latest short movie filmed on the Rock of Dunamaise in July 2025.
The Stones of Dunamase Castle will have its Laois premiere next Saturday, July 18, as it tours international film festivals.
The couple who retired to live in Ireland, now make short films as a hobby to show at film festivals.
The plot of The Stones of Dunamase Castle revolves around the aftermath of a Dublin heist, which turns into “deadly betrayals as four thieves learn that trust is the most dangerous currency of all”.
It stars Irish actors Desmond Eastwood, Aoibhinn McGinnity, Brian Moore and Zara Burdon Yeates.
John who first spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live when spotted scoping out the Rock of Dunamaise for his project, is delighted how it has been received since then.
“The film has played in several film festivals in the states, including the Sedona Film Festival. It will also play the Richmond and the San Antonio Film festivals later this summer.
“Here in Ireland, it’s played at the Fastnet Film Festival in West Cork, which was a great experience, and we’re hoping for several more acceptances as the summer goes on. Audiences seem to really enjoy the film and like trying to keep up with the twists,” he said.
The couple are looking forward to meeting Laois film fans.
“We had a wonderful time shooting in Portlaoise, the OPW was particularly welcoming and helpful to us, and we enjoyed staying at the Killeshin Hotel, and of course, we loved shooting at the Rock of Dunamase,” John told the Leinster Express.
“The beauty and the history were just amazing to us. It was quite a wonderful “office” to report to for a week!
“My producing partner (and wife) Melissa Jo Peltier and I will be at the screening for a Q&A, and we hope some of the actors will be as well, although they are busy with other projects; as you know Ireland is jumping right now as a film and streaming location.
“We really hope the Portlaoise community will come out and enjoy the film, and at 18 minutes, it won’t take up your whole night,” John Gray said.
As well as the hugely successful series Ghost Whisperer which starred Jennifer Love Hewitt, John Gray was also the producing director of the CBS series RECKLESS, and has written and directed several studio and independent feature films, including the award winning WHITE IRISH DRINKERS, starring Stephen Lang and Karen Allen, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and played BIFF.
His acclaimed short films are played in film festivals all over the world. His short film FRENCH KISS has notched 6.3 million views to date on YouTube
The Stones of Dunamase Castle will screen on Saturday, July 18 at 8pm. Tickets are free but booking is advised on dunamaise.ie as seats are filling fast.