FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

IFTA AWARDS 2024

Dublin Crust

Worn Out, Played Out, Strung Out. 10 Years after Punk band Crust split up the band members lives have fallen apart. Drummer Bonehead has just been released from prison and sets about reforming the band for one last show.

Director: Baz Black
Writer: Baz Black
Producers: Baz Black, Emma Ray

Filmmaker Q&A

What did you feel was the most fulfilling element of working on this film?

• Baz Black (Writer/Director): "The most fulfilling aspect was uniting a community of like-minded artists who shared a collective belief in the greater goal of bringing this film to life. Considering it's my most personal work to date, witnessing the collaborative efforts culminate was truly gratifying."

What do you hope audiences will take away from the film?

• Baz Black: "For me, film has always served as an escape, and that's precisely what I hope viewers experience – the opportunity to immerse themselves in this narrative and join the characters on their journey of reformation. Billed as an anarchic comedy centered around a band's resurgence and rectifying past mistakes, and it is, but the film also unexpectedly delves deep into emotions. It's essentially an emotional rug sweep, catching audiences off guard with a depth they might not anticipate."

To what extent was your on-screen talent vital to the success of the film?

• Baz Black: "The authenticity embedded in the script, brought to life by the actors, played a pivotal role in the success of this movie. With a substantial cast of 38 principal members, I am immensely proud of what each of them brought to the screen. Notably, Eddie Nil and Andy Byrne, both non-actors, drew from their real-life experiences in our shared band of 8 years, portraying versions of themselves that resonated authentically with audiences. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Rooney and Rose Henderson, renowned for their roles in Father Ted, not only enhanced the film's marketing but also enriched the overall performances. My primary objective was to elicit genuine empathy for the characters and their lives, a feat made possible only through authentic and compelling performances."

What’s the most interesting/inspiring piece of feedback you’ve received from people who have seen the film?

• Baz Black: "The most inspiring feedback for me has been the diverse and personal ways in which the film has resonated with audiences. While the major elements of the film are certainly impactful, it's the smaller, more nuanced moments that seem to strike a chord, evoking memories of viewers' family members and childhoods. As a filmmaker, witnessing these individual connections has been incredibly rewarding. A standout highlight was having casting director Dan Hubbard delay a flight by a day to attend a screening of Dublin Crust at Odeon Cinema. His subsequent Twitter post expressing his enjoyment added a significant and unexpected layer of validation to the film's impact."