Major film award for defective concrete crisis production

A FILM highlighting the defective concrete crisis in Donegal has won Best International Short Film at the Worcester International Film Festival.

This marked the first time Galar was screened in England, and the audience was left stunned.

“They didn’t believe it was real,” said Niall Duffy, Managing Director of Keltik Elk Films.

He mentioned that many in the audience were completely unaware of the crisis unfolding across the Irish Sea.

“Seeing it on the big screen in a dark room really helps engross people into it and helps them see the plight of what families are going through,” he shared.

Winning the award was “surreal” Mr Duffy added.

“I am very thankful that all the hard work going in from the whole community is being recognised.”

He explained that awards like this help elevate smaller films to a larger stage.

“It’s a good way to raise awareness of the crisis outside of Ireland. Our plan is to take it as international as we can.”

When the film was first released, Mr Duffy spoke to the Donegal News and described the research process as “falling down a rabbit hole.”

“Every day brought a new discovery. And yes, the film is very much inspired by people I know: family, friends, neighbours. That personal proximity to the crisis is what got the ball rolling.”

Thematically, the film focuses on responsibility.

“Every character in Galar carries a burden in some form: familial, communal, institutional. Whether they confront or deflect that responsibility has consequences. It was important to show that, not just for dramatic effect, but because it reflects the reality of what people are going through.”

Any updates on screenings or news will be posted via Keltik Elk’s social media: Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram.