BBC Sets New Irish-Language Comedy Film ‘Baile,’ Starring Marion O’Dwyer and Hazel Doupe (EXCLUSIVE)

Production has started this week on “Baile,” a new comedy feature co-commissioned for the BBC Gaeilge, the Irish-language arm of BBC Northern Ireland, and Ireland’s national Irish-language broadcaster TG4.

Produced by Belfast based Village Films with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, the comedy drama follows Bríghid, a fiercely independent woman in the early stages of dementia, played by Marion O’Dwyer (“The Quiet Girl”), and a young cleaner Naomi played by Hazel Doupe (“Say Nothing”).

As per the synopsis, when Bríghid hires Naomi to drive her from Belfast to her childhood home in County Donegal their unlikely friendship takes them on an unexpected adventure.

Filmed at locations across Northern Ireland including Belfast, Moira and Tyrella Beach, and in County Donegal, the road trip movie tells the story of two women at the opposite ends of life. According to the description, it “explores friendship, independence, the meaning of home, and what it means to not lose sight of who you are when faced with change.”

“We’re incredibly proud to be bringing ‘Baile’ into production. It’s a moving and deeply human story about memory, friendship and the unexpected connections that can transform our lives, told predominantly through the Irish language,” said Aideen Hand, who produces for Village Films.

“We have assembled a wonderful cast led by Hazel Doupe and Marion O’Dwyer to bring screenwriter Christina Carty’s characters to life, and we’re grateful to BBC Northern Ireland, TG4 and Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund for supporting an ambitious film that feels both distinctly local and genuinely universal.”

“Baile is the third Irish-Language film we have jointly commissioned with TG4 and Northern Ireland Screen through the very successful Gealán scheme,” added Eddie Doyle, head of commissioning at BBC Northern Ireland.

“At its essence, it is a heartwarming and human story about friendship, and we look forward to bringing this adventure to audiences on BBC Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.”

Added Máire Ní Chonláin, TG4’s commissioning editor: “’Baile’ brings together an accomplished cast and production team and further reflects the value of our partnership with the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and BBC Gaeilge in supporting original Irish-language cinema. We look forward to seeing the film reach audiences on TG4 at home and across the globe.”

Áine Walsh, chief language and cultural officer and head of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund at Northern Ireland Screen said: “Following in the footsteps of acclaimed Gealán projects such as ‘Doineann’ and ‘Aontas,’ Ireland’s submission for the Academy Awards Best International Feature Film category, today’s ‘Baile’ production and casting announcement is another significant milestone for the scheme and a testament to the power of our partnership with BBC Gaeilge and TG4.”

‘Baile’ was commissioned by Doyle and Ní Chonláin. It is being produced and directed by Aideen Hand and co-directed by Paul Kenenedy for Village Films. It was been written by Cristina Carty.

“Baile” marks the third project to be commissioned through Gealán, the feature film initiative from BBC Northern Ireland, TG4 and Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund.

“Doineann,” produced by DoubleBand Films was the first project commissioned through this collaborative initiative, and “Aontas,” produced by Púca Pictures, was the second.