Brendan Canty Celebrates Premiere of ‘Christy’ at Berlin Film Fest

Brendan Canty’s debut feature film, Christy, made a significant impact at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it premiered to an audience of over 1,000 people. This unexpected turnout left Canty astonished, as he expressed, “I didn’t know cinemas even had 1,000 people. It was nuts.” The film’s success continued when it was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix in the Generation 14plus section, marking a notable achievement for Irish cinema.

Reflecting on this accomplishment, Canty noted the pressure that comes with following in the footsteps of previous Irish films at the festival, particularly Colm Baireád‘s An Cailín Ciúin, which premiered in the same section three years earlier and garnered Oscar attention. “I’d noticed that, but, if anything, that was a cool thing,” he said, indicating his excitement at being part of such a legacy.

The film features newcomer Danny Power in the lead role, portraying a troubled young man navigating life after foster care. Living with his older half-brother, Shane, played by Chris Walley, Christy’s journey is filled with challenges and vivid characters, from dangerous relatives to potential career paths. Canty described the film as “a noisy, energetically acted piece” reminiscent of the best work of director Shane Meadows.

Canty’s journey to making Christy began with a short film, which he and co-writer Alan O’Gorman developed before expanding it into a feature. “We always wanted to write a feature, but we couldn’t crack it,” Canty explained. The involvement of the Kabin Studio, a creative hub in Cork, played a crucial role in shaping the film. The studio provides a space for young local talent to develop artistic skills, and Canty found inspiration from the young people there.

After the short film’s premiere in 2019, Canty received significant attention, which helped him secure backing from BBC Films. The film’s dialogue, rich with local slang from Knocknaheeny, adds authenticity and depth to the characters. Canty remarked on the British producers’ appreciation for the film’s Cork roots, stating, “If anything, the Brits loved that it was from Cork. They thought there was an exotic flavour to that!”

As an experienced director of music videos, Canty’s transition to feature films benefited from his background. His breakthrough came with the music video for Hozier’s “Take Me to Church,” which dramatically increased his profile in the industry. He noted that working on commercials and music videos honed his skills in managing pressure and communicating effectively with various stakeholders, which proved invaluable during the production of Christy.

The film’s casting included not only seasoned actors but also non-professionals from the Kabin Studio. Canty shared how Danny Power, initially cast in a smaller role, was elevated to the lead when the first choice did not work out. “I told Danny, ‘Well, look, you’re Christy now,’ and he was, like, ‘I’ll be whoever you want me to be,’” Canty recalled. This shift empowered Power and showcased his talent, leading to a remarkable transformation in his performance.

Canty acknowledged that the time gap between the short and the feature significantly influenced the film’s direction. Power matured from a child into a young man during that period, a change that added depth to the character. “There was a ticking clock on it, definitely,” Canty admitted, reflecting on the urgency to capture the story authentically before the actors aged further.

Looking ahead, Canty is considering a television spin-off from Christy and is exploring new feature projects with different writers. He remains grounded amidst his recent successes, stating, “Once in a lifetime you come across the right group of people. It’s something you can’t force.”

Christy will be available in cinemas starting August 29, 2025, offering audiences a glimpse into the vibrant and complex world of its characters, and showcasing the authentic storytelling that Canty has become known for.