Short Film

FRĀTERNUS

The production of our Irish short film, Frāternus, has officially wrapped! We're thrilled to share exclusive production information and behind-the-scenes details about this exciting project. Stay tuned for updates on Frāternus and its journey from concept to screen.

Logline: When an elderly priest with dementia meets a young boy, he is taken on a journey back into his own childhood, where he
rediscovers himself and his love of cupcakes.

Director

Ciara Kelleher

Ciara's transformative vision for Frāternus has now powerfully debuted on the big screen, captivating audiences with its cinematic realization. She has sucessfully directed three short films to date, a live action horror film Family Man, and documentary films Movers and Shapers and What Makes Great Sex?Her work has been selected for festivals such as Newport Beach Film Festival, Galway Film Fleadh, Portuguese Surf Film Festival, Docs Ireland, Kerry International Film Festival, Richard Harris International Film Festival, The Other Venice Film Festival, Inheritance Film Festival, The British and Irish Film Festival of Luxembourg, Achill Island Film Festival, San Diego Surf Film Festival, Irish Film Festival Los Angeles, Bilboa Surf Film Festival.She won Best Director at the Vesuvius International Film Festival. And received a Judges Special Mention at the Richard Harris International Film Festival.Ciara's passion for telling community-led and thought-evoking films is strong, which is why Frāternus appealed to her.

Writer & Producer

Simon Woods

Simon has been writing since he was a teenager. He has trained in screenwriting under Philip Parker through Film in Limerick, taken training in further creative writing and writing for Journalism.On Frāternus "I wanted to write a short story about my father and his brother, my uncle, of when they were young. Frāternus, the Latin for Fraternal, Brotherly is set in modern day and mid 1940's Ireland. The story is about the bond between the brothers, one of which, in modern day, Reverend Joe is suffering with dementia.Dementia is a terrible disease, a pervasive force, this illness leaves its mark on many. It's a shared experience, a journey witnessed by countless individuals who've supported loved ones through the shock of diagnosis, the fight for health, and the heartbreaking farewell.Joe can't remember events early in his day or the names of people he knows in his community. Delving into his memories as a child, Joe can remember his family, Mum, Dad and his older brother as if he was reliving every moment in reality, while his mind is slipping away".Simon's passion is not just in writing, Simon owns and runs Stimuli Entertainment, he is hands on in all aspects of productions and is working towards producing both TV and film works.He has written, directed and produced his own live action film Outta Depth and documentary film Littered Landscapes. His short Sci Fi/futuristic film Consciouness of Time was shortlisted for Engine Shorts '21. He is currently producer on Anna Hession's comedy Make them Laugh shortlisted by Engine Shorts '25.

Producer

Wolodymyr 'Vlad' Smishkewych

The quietly dramatic and highly effective script by Simon Woods helps us aim for an efficient production: the action is limited to two principal interior locations and two exterior locations, posing few complications given that the creative team are extremely familiar with rural locations in the West and Midwest of Ireland. Collaborating production companies Now and Then Media and Stimuli Entertainment also have a strong contact book of film personnel and other resources close to hand in the Limerick/Clare/Tipperary and Shannon River areas.As producer with a specialism in historical accuracy and performance, I have access to period locations and sets/properties which will facilitate those scenes which take place in the protagonist’s childhood in the 1940s.
We filmed in Abington church, Murroe, Co. Limerick and in a 300 year old stone built house, "Clonshavoy", Lisnagry, Co. Limerick, which was ideal for scenes set in the past and also it has green, summer-like foliage year-round in large grounds, for the exterior scenes.I am producer on short film Picture Girl which was selected by the renowned Galway Film Fleadh, 2025 International Film Festival.

Cinematographer

Barry Fahy

Over the past decade, Barry Fahy has proven himself to be one of the most capable, talented and Driven cinematographers in Ireland. Barry has shot two feature film, Blue Dawn and The Three Don’ts as well as over two dozen Short films and Music Videos. Barry has also directed Several Short films including “Please Forgive Me”, “Doors” and “IRIS” which won 2 awards at the 48hr film competition in Dublin.