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Cowtown Pictures
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LOLA

Winner - Méliès d’or for Best European Fantastic Feature Film of the year, Sitges Film Festival 2023

Winner - Best Score (Neil Hannon), Irish Film and Television Academy Awards 2023

Winner - Best Costume Design (Lara Campbell), Irish Film and Television Academy Awards 2023

Winner - Best Director, Avant-Garde & Genre, Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema 2023

Winner - FIPRESCI Award, Ljubljana International Film Festival 2023

Winner - Méliès d’argent award , Trieste Science + Fiction Festival 2022

1940, Thom and Mars have built a machine, LOLA, that can intercept radio and TV broadcasts from the future, and together must face the world-altering consequences of the machine’s power.

“This debut feature from the Irish director Andrew Legge is a marvel of lo-fi sci-fi.” Devika Girish. The New York Times.

“LOLA is a wonderfully inventive and audacious debut.” 9/10. Stephen Troussé. Uncut Magazine.

“…wickedly inventive mind-meld of found-footage thriller and period sci-fi from director Andrew Legge.” Four stars. Kevin Harley. Total Film Magazine.

“… a pacy, thrillingly inventive found-footage mockumentary.” Four stars. Wendy ide. The Observer.

“LOLA is a fable of causality and consequence that is executed with bracing ingenuity.” 4/5. Kevin Harley, Radio Times

“Even with all the metaphysical mayhem, the movie remains rooted in the lives and attitudes of its characters, and in the magnetic performances of Martini and Appleton.” Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times.

"Andrew Legge’s thrilling mockumentary, shot with vintage cameras, offers a terrifying glimpse into what the world could have become had fascism prevailed in the Second World War." Four Stars. The Telegraph.

“By turns enchanting and heartbreaking, it speaks to the troubled history of the 20th Century yet feels bang up to date. In the absence of a lens on the future, it invites us to think about what we might learn from the past.” Jennie Kermode, Eye for Film

“An immensely clever and resourceful micro-budget movie about time-travel…” David Ehrlich, Indiewire

“A gorgeous blend of documentary and found-footage, Lola is a sophisticated piece of science-fiction. Andrew Legge’s debut is a conversation-starting whirl through philosophy and strategy. Bound together by a dynamic duo of sisters, Lola is simply breath-taking. “ Kat Hughes, The Hollywood News

“Beautifully soundtracked… and well shot (using, in part, period accurate cameras), Lola is a clever and charming sci-fi comedy. Appleton and Martin both impress as the sisters, drawing a believable portrait of sisterly love, camaraderie and vastly different expressions of what Doing The Right Thing looks like.” Joel Harley, Starburst

Directed by Andrew Legge

Screenplay by Andrew Legge and Angeli Macfarlane

Produced by Alan Maher, John Wallace

Co-produced by Alice Lusher, Catryn Ramasut

Starring Emma Appleton, Stefanie Martini, Rory Fleck Byrne, Aaron Monaghan

Music and Original Songs by Neil Hannon

Ballywalter

Eileen is a caustic, unrepentant University drop-out whose dreams of a successful life in London have fallen by the wayside. Back at home with her mum, she makes ends meet by working as an unlicensed driver in her ex-boyfriend’s minicab.

Shane has exiled himself in Ballywalter following the break-up of his marriage, but now he’s trying to get his life back on track by enrolling in a stand-up comedy course.

When Shane calls a taxi to get him to his classes, Eileen answers and a surprising connection is made. As the two spend time together shuttling back and forth, a beautiful friendship develops, leading both of them to a moment of realisation. Shane reintegrates; Eileen makes peace with herself and who she really is. Finally, she can stop running and just drive.

Official Selection Belfast Film Festival 2022 - World premiere

Directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah

Written by Stacey Gregg

Produced by James Bierman, Nik Bower

Co-Produced by Alan Maher, John Wallace

Starring Seána Kerslake, Patrick Kielty

Rialto

Winner - IFTA Award 2020 for Best Actor, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

Winner - IFTA Award 2020 for Best Screenplay, Mark O’Halloran

Colm is in his mid-forties, married, with two teenage children. Still grieving the death of his father, a destructive figure in his life, Colm struggles with his relationship to his own son, whilst at work a recent takeover threatens his job. Unable to share his vulnerability with his wife, Colm’s world is falling apart around him. In the midst of this crisis, Colm solicits sex from a young man called Jay. This encounter and his growing infatuation has a deep effect on Colm. He finds a comfort in Jay that no one else can provide.

“Beautifully written and acted.” Boyd Van Hoeij, The Hollywood Reporter

“Rialto” builds an intimate portrait of masculine crisis, illuminated by two extraordinary central performances…” Jessica Klang, Variety

Directed by Peter Mackie Burns

Screenplay by Mark O’Halloran

Based upon the stage play “Trade” Written by Mark O’Halloran

Produced by Alan Maher, John Wallace, Tristian Galigher, Valentina Brazzini

Starring Tom Vaughn-Lawlor, Tom Glynn-Carney, Monica Dolan

Phil Lynott: Songs For While I'm Away

Winner - Documentary of the Year, Doc’n Roll Festival 2020

The story of how a young black boy from working class 1950's Dublin, became Ireland's Greatest Rock Star. As lead singer of Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott was a songwriter, a poet, a dreamer, a wildman.

“This really is the definitive Phil Lynott documentary, revealing a fascinating story that feels genuine and purposeful. The cinematography is stunning with the momentum consistent as it moves skillfully through each chapter. While the ending is sad, the tone is ultimately uplifting and celebratory. “ Deirdre Molumby, entertainment.ie

Directed by Emer Reynolds

Produced by Alan Maher, John Wallace, Peter Worsley

Director of Photography: Kate McCullough

Editor: Tony Cranston

Production Design: Joe Fallover

Music: Ray Harman

Song of Granite

Ireland’s Official Entry for Best Foreign Language Film, 90th Academy Awards 2018

Born in a remote village on Ireland's west coast, Joe Heaney conquered the shyness of his youth to become one of his country's most revered traditional vocalists, as chronicled in this lyrical biopic.

“A majestic monochrome monument to a nation’s cultural memory.” Stephen Dalton, The Hollywood Reporter

“This patient and luminous life-of-the-artist film freshens everything stale about its genre. “ Alan Scherstuhl, The Village Voice

“Pat Collins’ retracing of the colourful journey of the sean-nós singer is poetic, innovative and a treat to all lovers of Irish folk music.” Leslie Felperin, The Guardian

Directed by Pat Collins

Written by Pat Collins, Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde, Sharon Whooley

Produced by Alan Maher, Jessie Fisk, Martin Paul-Hus

Starring Macdara Ó Fatharta, Mícheál Ó Confhaola, Jaren Cerf, Pól Ó Ceannabháín, Colm Seoighe

The 8th

Winner - Jury Award, Best Documentary Feature, Skyline Indie Film Festival

Winner - Best Feature Documentary, Nevada Women’s Film Festival

The 8th traces Ireland's campaign to remove the 8th Amendment - a constitutional ban on abortion. It shows a country's transformation from a conservative state in thrall to the Catholic church to a more liberal secular society.

“Absolutely essential.” Donald Clarke, The Irish Times

“Impressive scope, storytelling and sensitivity makes this a fine capture of Irish abortion rights history being made and the beautiful spirit of the campaigners who fought to push their country into the future. “Sophie Monks Kaufman, Empire Magazine

“Passion, resolve and canny campaigning are on full show in this energising doc about the landmark 2018 abortion vote.” Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

Directed by Aideen Kane, Lucy Kennedy, Maeve O’Boyle

Produced by Aideen Kane, Lucy Kennedy, Maeve O’Boyle, Alan Maher

An Encounter

Winner, Grand Prix Irish Short Award – 2021 Cork International Film Festival

Winner, Best Irish Short Film – 2022 Dublin Film Festival

A directorial debut from Bewley’s Café Theatre’s founding director Kelly Campbell and written by Mark O’Halloran, one of Ireland’s most prolific screenwriters, two improbable friends dodge school and freely wander through Dublin until an encounter with a stranger leaves one of them utterly changed.

Directed by Kelly Campbell

Written by Mark O’Halloran

Produced by Claire McCabe

International Sales: Ouat Media

Losing Alaska

Sitting atop a melting permafrost, battered by coastal erosion and aggressive summer melt waters, Newtok, Alaska is set to be the first American town lost to climate change. LOSING ALASKA is a local story with global significance.

Directed by Tom Burke

Produced by Jessie Fisk, Alan Maher

Being AP

BEING AP is a story of one man’s sacrifice, courage, doubt and an addiction to winning. Legendary jump jockey and 19 times champion, AP McCoy is hooked on riding winners, but at 40 he’s all too aware that he is nearing the end. This ambitious, revealing and visually stunning feature documentary gets under the skin of Ireland’s most eminent sportsman, revealing the physical and psychological costs that this manic quest for victory brings. Having dominated his sport for over 20 years, AP is now faced with the ultimate decision; when to walk away?

Directed by Anthony Wonke

Produced by Nick Ryle, John Woollcombe, Alan Maher

Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show

SHOWRUNNERS is the first ever feature length documentary film to explore the fascinating world of US television showrunners and the creative forces aligned around them. These are the people responsible for creating, writing and overseeing every element of production on one of the United State’s biggest exports – television drama and comedy series.

Often described as the most complex job in the entertainment business, a showrunner is the chief writer / producer on a TV series and, in most instances, the show’s creator. Battling daily between art and commerce, showrunners manage every aspect of a TV show’s development and production: creative, financial and logistical.

Director: Des Doyle

Producers: John Wallace, Rock Shaink

Forever Pure

Winner - Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary, Emmy News and Documentary Awards 2018

FOREVER PURE is a story about the most controversial football club in Israel, Beitar Jerusalem F.C., a symbol of the right-wing politics that permeate the country.

Situated in the city of three religions, it’s a Jewish team in a Jewish state, with the country’s largest fan base and the only club in the Premier League never to have signed an Arab player.

One season in the life of this team, following six characters, is a story of Israeli society, personal identity, politics and money. It is an example of how racism is destroying a team and society from within.

Director: Maya Zinshtein

Producers: Geoff Arbourne, Maya Zinshtein

Co-Producers: Torstein Grude, Alan Maher

Dollhouse

Five street teens break into a house in a rich Dublin suburb for a night of partying. But games are twisted into something more emotional and ultimately out of control through a series of surprising revelations.

Director: Kirsten Sheridan

Writer: Kirsten Sheridan

Producer: John Wallace

Cast: Seána Kerslake, Jack Reynor, Deirdre O’ Kane

Standby

Twenty-something Alan is down on his luck. Stood up at the altar and recently fired from his banking job, he finds himself working with his mother as a part-time tourist advisor at Dublin Airport. It's there he comes face to face with first love Alice, stuck on standby for a flight home to New York. Their summer romance ended eight years previously with Alan promising to return to the US one day. He never did, and they haven't spoken since. Seizing his chance, Alan convinces a reluctant Alice to stay one more night in Dublin. Over the course of an unforgettable evening, they may just realise that they are more compatible than ever. But time is running out on this brief encounter. When does an unexpected second chance, become the one you've always been looking for?

Directors: Rob Burke & Ronan Burke

Writer: Pierce Ryan

Producer: John Wallace

Cast: Brian Gleeson, Jessica Paré, Stanley Townsend

We are Moving

We Are Moving – Memories of Miss Moriarty is an intimate portrait of Joan Denise Moriarty, a visionary who overcame enormous odds by doggedly following her dream of bringing ballet to every corner of Ireland. A pioneer of early 20th century Irish dance, Joan Denise Moriarty dared to create a uniquely Irish form of ballet inspired by her love of nature and Irish folklore. Her life’s work has been largely overlooked since her death.

This is a celebration of Joan Denise the artist, the dancer, and the woman who was best known, loathed, and loved as Miss Moriarty.

Directed by Claire Dix

Produced by Roisin Geraghty

After the Dance

AFTER THE DANCE tells the very personal story of director Daisy Asquith’s mother's conception after a dance in the 1940s on the remote west coast of Ireland.

Her grandmother, compelled to run away to have her baby in secret, handed the child over to the nuns. Daisy's mum was eventually adopted by English Catholics from Stoke-on-Trent. Her grandmother returned to Ireland and told no one. Daisy’s grandfather remained a mystery for another sixty years, until Daisy and her mum decided it was time to find out who he was.

Their desperate need to know takes them on a fascinating and moving journey, revealing to them the fear and shame that Catholicism has wrought on the Irish psyche for centuries while connecting them with a brand new family living an extraordinarily different life.

Director: Daisy Asquith

Producers: Alan Maher, Doireann de Buitléar

Apples of the Golan

APPLES OF THE GOLAN tells the epic story of Majdal Shams, one of five remaining Arab villages in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Before the occupation there were 139 such villages, which have now mostly been destroyed. Cut off from their homeland since the events of the Six Day War, the villagers fight to maintain their national identity amid political uncertainty, border disputes and the Syrian Civil War. They are all connected to, and owe their existence to, the apples which grow all around the village. In many ways, as their resistance to occupation is generally peaceful, the apples are their bombs.

Directors: Jill Beardsworth & Keith Walsh

Producer: John Wallace

Photo City

Rochester, NY is a city defined by photography. Once dominated by Kodak, the city now faces a new digital future. PHOTO CITY presents a portrait of photography itself as told through the lens of the citizens of a place defined by the art form. The film explores how the various strands of the city interact with photography, how its past informs its present, and how the resilience of its citizens perhaps suggests a future. 

Directors: John Murphy & Traolach Ó Murchú

Producer: John Wallace

King of the Travellers

John Paul Moorehouse is on his destructive quest to uncover the truth about the killer of his father twelve years ago. However John Paul's desire for revenge is swayed as he falls for Winnie Power, the daughter of the man he suspects killed his father. John Paul must now battle between his consuming passion for justice and his desire to be with the woman he now loves.

Director: Mark O’ Connor

Writer: Mark O’ Connor

Producers: John Wallace, Cormac Fox

Cast: John Connors, Peter Coonan, Michael Collins, Carla McGlynn

Rewind

Karen, a recovering addict, has settled into a successful new life with her husband and young daughter. When Karl, an old boyfriend recently released from prison, turns up unexpectedly, Karen’s buried past comes back to haunt her. Karen is forced to go on a road trip and confront a world she thought she’d escaped from if she is to protect her family and her future.

Director: P.J. Dillon

Writers: P.J. Dillon, Roger Karshan, Ronan Carr

Producers: John Wallace, Alex Jones

Cast: Amy Huberman, Allen Leech, Owen McDonnell, Simon Delaney

LOLA

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Ballywalter

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Rialto

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Phil Lynott: Songs For While I'm Away

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Song of Granite

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The 8th

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An Encounter

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Losing Alaska

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Being AP

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Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show

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Forever Pure

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Dollhouse

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Standby

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We are Moving

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After the Dance

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Apples of the Golan

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Photo City

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King of the Travellers

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Rewind

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