LOGLINE

An ambitious businessman struggling with life has one last opportunity to say goodbye to his estranged dad.

 

SYNOPSIS

James is forced to return to his childhood home to care for his dying father (Peter). James and Peter have not spoken since James left home 10 years previously. The ghost of Siobhan (James’s mum and Peter’s wife) tries to bring these two men together to help them heal, before it is too late. James must care for his dying father and for his mother’s horse (Reuben). James returns home looking for an apology from his dad. But he discovers that he is the one who must forgive, in order to move on. James finds happiness in returning home to the countryside and a simpler way of life. In connecting with a lost love of horses. Something both men share. Father is a contemporary western, set in a world where men are supposed to be strong and to hide their feelings.

 

DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHY

Mark is a professional Actor / Writer / Director. He has just completed his latest short film, "FATHER". It is funded through the Actor As Creator grant (Screen Ireland & Bow Street). His debut feature film, "aWake" had its US premiere at the Valley Film Festival August 2024. It is now streaming on Amazon Prime and other platforms. His short film THROW YOUR HEART OVER FIRST screened at festivals around the world in 2022. It picked up a number of nominations and awards. Including a Best Performance award. It also screened at the prestigious Newport Beach Film festival 2022. He has co-directed and co-written two other award winning short films (CLOSING TIME & TOMORROW) He was sole writer and lead actor on the short film (BREAKING UP), which was directed by IFTA winner Terry McMahon. He was sole Writer/ Director, and Lead Actor on the short film THROW YOUR HEART OVER FIRST. Acting credits include VIKINGS, INTO THE BADLANDS, SAOL, BREAKING UP.

 

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

This short film examines the concept of Fatherhood. What does it mean to be a father in the context of modern society, and to the individual. This film looks at how the mistakes of the past tend to repeat themselves. The legacy of inter generational trauma. Too often men and fathers are reluctant to show vulnerability. Physical connection is through pats on the back, and handshakes. When what is desired is arms wrapped around a child in a loving embrace. Discipline is encouraged through physical hardship. This behaviour can have such a damaging effect on children.

This film tries to understand the legacy that our parents' actions, and our childhood experiences have on our future relationships. Both good and bad. There is no escaping your past. How you deal with it is entirely up to you. The film also touches on the themes of loss, grief, and being alone. What kind of life is it for those who are left behind after the death of a loved one. Is it even possible to fill that void? The father (Peter) of the main character (James) in this film spends more and more time with his horse. Taking care of the horse gives him purpose. However, James feels that his dad shows more love to an animal than he ever did to him. Sometimes, it’s easier for people to be around animals than fellow humans.

Animals are less judgemental and a lot simpler in how they show affection and communicate.

 

DIRECTOR FILMOGRAPHY

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"Father" (short film), 2025

• Funded through the Actor As Creator grant (Screen Ireland & Bow Street). Entering festivals.

• Role - Writer / director / producer / actor

 

"aWake" (feature film), 2024

• US premiere at The Valley Film Festival, LA, in August 2024. Now streaming on Amazon Prime UK and other platforms

• Role - Writer / director / producer / actor

 

"Throw Your Heart Over First" (short film), 2022

 - AWARDS

• Best Performance - Focus Shorts Film Festival, London, 2022.

• Best Actor (nomination) - Underground Cinema Awards 2022

• Best Actor (nomination) - Dublin International Short Film & Music Festival 2022

• Semi-Finalist - Serbest 2022

• Honourable mention - Louth International Film Festival

 

 - OFFICIAL SELECTION (includes)

• Newport Beach Film Festival 2022

• Indie Cork 2022

• Serbest 2022

• Shockfest film festival 2022

• Waterford film festival

• Louth International film festival

• Dublin International short film and music festival 

• 13th Underground Cinema awards

• One Take Film Festival 2022