Mell Wade Films Ltd
SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON WHAT MEANS MOTLEY? AS MOVIE OPENS THE CHICAGO IRISH FILM FESTIVAL MARKING ITS PREMIERE U.S. SCREENING
True story based on one of Ireland's most daring immigration scams to screen hot off the heels of the Dublin International Film Festival
Tuesday 21st February 2006:
With the immigration issue such a hot topic worldwide, What Means Motley? has garnered substantial interest in the international press since its inception. Creating a phenomenal buzz on the festival circuit and across the Irish community, the film, which marks its premiere public screening during the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival on 24th February, has now been selected to open the Chicago Irish Film Festival on 3rd March.
This offbeat comedy caper movie has broad audience appeal, and looks at how in 1999, forty-one desperate Romanian's tricked the country's Irish consul into believing they were a talented gypsy folk group and obtained tourist visas to perform at a little known Music Festival in Ireland, but upon arrival at Dublin airport they all vanished, and consequently made headline news.
This was one of Ireland's biggest diplomatic blunders, but far from resigning, the original consul (Barry Mulligan) is now starring in the film, playing a con man on the run from a psychopathic gangster. Arriving in Romania and renewing an old friendship with an ex-illegal immigrant, he devises a 'master plan' to help individuals wanting to escape the country. However in order to pull it off, he has to outwit a crazy Frenchman (who monopolises the existing and more sinister immigration operation), a corrupt policeman, murderous gypsy gangster, ply the Irish consul with booze, and put together the most untalented, odd-looking bunch of characters as a convincing group of professional folk performers.
''What Means Motley' has the brilliant energy, intriguing story and cast of characters worthy of an international romp," said Judith Blackburn, Director of the Chicago Irish Film Festival. "The fact that it all actually happened makes this humorous and gripping film the perfect choice to kick off the Chicago Irish Film Festival."
WHAT MEANS MOTLEY? WILL OPEN THE CHICAGO IRISH FILM FESTIVAL ON FRIDAY 3RD MARCH, BEVERLY ARTS CENTER, 20.30HRS
A Mell Wade Films production shot on location in Ireland and Romania, What Means Motley is executive produced by Rod Weinberg and Andrew Stear. The film is produced by John Ketchum, John Riley, (who also direct), Barry Mulligan and Dave Duce. With offices in London and Bucharest, Weinberg and Stear also co-own Swipe Film Productions in Bucharest, offering a full range of film and TV production facilities in Romania.
Founded in 2000 the Chicago Irish Film Festival has consistently brought a truly representative selection of Irish films that embrace everything from classics to the contemporary. Each year since its inception the festival has screened features, documentaries, shorts and animation many of which have won awards and have had selected screenings at some of the largest festivals in the world including Cannes, Sundance, and Toronto. The festival has also been delighted to welcome as its guest the actors, directors, and producers that are the heart of today's Irish cinema. The CIFF is pleased to be a showcase for Irish film production that embraces innovation, independence, and creativity that is rooted in Ireland's rich cultural heritage.
For further information please contact:
Celine Xerri-Brook, Publicity, Mell Wade Films Tel: + 44 (0) 1273 731 337 Mble + 44 (0) 7957 334 228 Gibraltar.brook@virgin.net
Or
Grace Kuikman, Press , Chicago Irish Film Festival Tel: + 1 773 445 3838 or + 1 773 213 7531 gracekuikman@sbcglobal.net
