IFTA Members Preview Screening of VIVA introduced by writer Mark O'Halloran

IFTA Members attended a preview screening of VIVA, selected by IFTA as Ireland’s submission, is shortlisted for the Foreign Language category at the 88th Academy Awards on Saturdaythe 9th January at the Light House Cinema introduced by writer Mark O'Halloran and Rob Walpole. The screening was attended by producer Rebecca O'Flanagan and Cathleen Dore, DOP Cathal Watters, Stephen O Connell editor and production designer Paki Smith. Viva recived a standing ovation from a packed IFTA members audience.

See Images from the event here

VIVA is directed by Paddy Breathnach, written by Mark O’Halloran and produced by Rebecca O’Flanagan and Rob Walpole of Treasure Films,

The film, selected by IFTA as Ireland’s submission, is shortlisted for the Foreign Language category at the 88th Academy Awards.

Set in Havana Cuba, Viva tells the story of Jesus, an eighteen year old Cuban, who is lost and struggling to realize his true identity. Unsure of himself or his future, he works at a local Havana drag club where he entertains dreams of becoming a performer. At home he finds solace listening to the records his mother and grandmother left him: romantic torch songs by the great names of Latin music. Into his life, however, comes a force to challenge his direction and tentative freedom: his long lost father, a celebrated boxer, released from a 15 year prison term having killed someone in a street brawl when Jesus was a child. Through this uneasy relationship, ‘Viva’ becomes a tender love story between father and son as both men struggle to understand each other and escape the burden of expectation, duty and past sins.

The project is supported by the Irish Film Board, Windmill Lane Pictures, RTÉ and Treasure Entertainment. It is produced by Robert Walpole and Rebecca O'Flanagan (both of Treasure Entertainment), Cathleen Dore and Nelson Navarro Navarro of Island Films. The film was shot in Havana, Cuba, and Ireland and was post produced at Windmill Lane in Dublin. The film was scored by Stephen Rennicks, edited by Stephen O’Connell and shot by Cathal Watters with Paki Smith serving as Production Designer.

Paddy Breathnach: "I'm thrilled that Viva has been chosen as the Irish entry for Best Foreign Language film in the Academy Awards. We loved every minute of our adventure on this film which took us from Ireland to Cuba and back again. As well as our wonderful Irish team, we had the pleasure of working with a great Cuban cast and crew and I feel this nomination recognizes this incredible international collaboration."

Next week, on Jan 14, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will announce which of the nine shortlisted films have been nominated from all of the international entries to go forward in the final line-up to compete for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

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