Unit Stills Photographer — Christy

It was a privilege to serve as the Unit Stills Photographer on Christy, a compelling short film directed by Brendan Canty and written by Alan O’Gorman. This project marked my first film production in Ireland and set the stage for a series of impactful collaborations in the Irish film industry.

Christy follows a 16-year-old school leaver who interviews for a job, only to be let down by his brother. In his frustration, he lashes out and seeks support from his friends. The film delves into themes of familial bonds, personal growth, and the challenges faced by youth in underserved communities. Filmed in Knocknaheeny, Cork, the narrative is grounded in realism, capturing the nuances of everyday life in a working-class neighborhood.

As the Unit Stills Photographer, I was entrusted with documenting the raw emotions and authentic moments that unfolded on set. My role involved capturing behind-the-scenes images and on-set moments that complemented the film’s storytelling, contributing to its visual identity across promotional materials and press campaigns.

The success of the short film Christy led to the development of a feature-length version, also directed by Brendan Canty. The feature film had its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2025, where it won the Grand Prix in the Generation 14plus section. It also received the Best Irish Film award at the Galway Film Fleadh in July 2025.

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Cast: Danny Power, Diarmuid Noyes, Emma Willis, Alison Oliver, Chris Walley, Helen Behan
Director: Brendan Canty
Writer: Alan O’Gorman
Producer: Paula Stewart
Cinematographer: Colm Hogan
Editor: Allyn Quigley
Composer: Daithí
Production Companies: Venom Films, Screen Ireland
Filming Locations: Knocknaheeny, Cork City
Awards: Best Irish Short Film at the 2021 Cork International Film Festival, Best Irish Short at the 2021 Galway Film Fleadh