Laois film first to tell Irish Quaker experience in film

A new Laois film that explores the Quaker link to Laois premieres in Portlaoise at a special screening in the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

Songway Films was thrilled to announce the unveiling of "The Light Within: An Irish Quaker Story". They describe it as “a groundbreaking” short film that delves into the untold story of Quakers in Ireland.

The producers who are the prestigious Creative Laois Ireland Film Bursary 2022, say this beautiful short film that will captivate audiences.

They say it is a supernatural journey set in Laois, or Queen's County as it was called 1780, following the compelling story of Lydia, a young teenager who must defy her Quaker upbringing to save her ailing younger sister.

The producers say it features stellar performances by newcomers Finnuala Gillen and Eliza Rae Butler, alongside Steve Gunn, and a talented ensemble cast.

"This film promises an unforgettable cinematic experience," say Songway.

It was written and directed by Denis McArdle and produced by the accomplished David Butler for Songway Films. They claim the remarkable production marks the first-ever exploration of Quaker culture in Ireland in a film.

The producers say it was “meticulously crafted” on location Laois, where our dedicated team spent four days capturing the essence of what's described as “this picturesque region”. Cinematographer David Christopher Lynch skillfully brought the film's atmospheric settings to life, utilizing the "breathtaking" landscapes of Roundwood House, Rosenallis, the Slieve Bloom Mountains and Donaghmore Workhouse as his canvas.

Complementing these visuals, the producers say the lush pastoral score, composed by Michael Fleming, “seamlessly weaves” depth and emotion into the narrative. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

It's described by Arthur Lappin as “delightfully subtle in the storytelling and beautiful to behold” this is a screening not to be missed.

Award-winning writer and director Denis McArdle, is known for his previous short films funded by Screen Ireland. Producer David Butler, has a background in animation and contributions to the BAFTA award-winning "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". He recently co-produced the World War I drama short film "The Land," for Frame It Productions.

Songway Films expresses its gratitude to Creative Ireland Laois, as well Muireann Ní Chonaill and Arthur Lappin for what they say is “their unwavering faith” and support in bringing this period film to life.

The Creative Laois Ireland Film Bursary award is funded by Laois County Council and Creative Ireland. It aims to fostert talent, creativity and activity in film-making in Laois. A grant of €10,000 is awarded to a filmmaker towards the cost of production of a short drama or documentary film of 10-12 mins duration to be shot in Laois.

The inaugural Laois Short Film Bursary was launched in July 2021 and film teams across the county and country submitted scripts as part of the application process. Key criteria for eligibility is that one of the core creative team (writer/ director/ producer) must be from or living in Laois, and that the film is made in Laois.

The first award was made to Swandive Productions for their short film Superhuman. The film explores universal themes, with a lens on para-athletics and being black and living in Ireland.

The successful team awarded the Bursary consists of writer/director Michéal Fleming from The Swan and producer Michael-David McKernan.

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The new film premiere was scheduled for December 2 at the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise, by invitation only. It was the first time the cast and crew will see the production.

The public will get a chance to see the film in 2024 at movie festivals.