Donegal’s GALAR Wins Best International Short Film Award

A short film highlighting the defective concrete block crisis in Donegal, titled GALAR, has been awarded Best International Short Film at the Worcester International Film Festival. The award was presented to filmmaker Niall Duffy over the weekend, marking a significant recognition for the project and the ongoing issues faced by affected families.

The film premiered in England on September 30, 2024, at the ODEON Worcester, where Duffy expressed gratitude to the festival team for their efforts. He stated, “Big thanks to the incredible festival team at ODEON Worcester for putting on such an incredible event. We’re honoured to have premiered the film in England and grateful to everyone who made it possible.”

GALAR tells the story of Michael Gallagher, a rural homeowner whose life is drastically altered by the discovery of defective concrete blocks in his house. As he confronts the physical deterioration of his home, Gallagher also navigates the complexities of government bureaucracy and faces a personal health crisis. The film features performances from actors Mark Loughran, Claire Rafferty, Ashana Cummings, and Nigel O’Neill.

The film includes a powerful protest scene filmed in Lifford, which featured over 200 extras, many of whom have been personally affected by the crisis. This community involvement adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, illustrating the widespread impact of the issue.

Residents of Donegal will have the opportunity to view GALAR at the Disappear Here Film Festival in Ballyliffin, where it will be screened on October 5, 2024, during the ‘Donegal Voices’ event starting at 17:30 at the Ballyliffin Hotel.

In addition to the short film, a full-length feature version is currently in production with the support of Screen Ireland. This expansion aims to further explore the themes presented in the short and reach a broader audience.

The recognition at the Worcester International Film Festival not only highlights the quality of the film but also sheds light on the significant challenges faced by residents affected by the defective concrete block crisis in Donegal. As the film continues to gain attention, it serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of those impacted and the importance of addressing such critical issues.