Kathleen Was Here

Directed by Eva Birthistle / Ireland / 2020 / 10 mins

Synopsis

Kathleen is 18 and alone. The system has no place for her now. This visually arresting and emotionally taught tale depicts the ongoing problems surrounding young adults who age out of care and their struggle to ‘fit in’.

Director Statement

Last year I had the very humbling opportunity of talking with a group of young adults who were ageing out of foster care. Their stories/experiences differed greatly but one thing they all had in common was the fear and uncertainty they had about the future.What struck me the most was how young they all were; like lost children, who despite (for some) the outward show of misplaced confidence, had an inherent desire to be parented. And now here they were, being cast out into the world with a wad of cash, no life skills and nowhere to go. It seemed like an important juncture to shine a light on.

Selected Screenings

  • Festival Internacional de Cortometraje UVAQ, June 2021
  • Dublin International Film Festival, March 2021
  • Galway Film Fleadh, July 2020 – World Premiere
  • Festival Internacional de Cortometraje UVAQ, June 2021
  • Dublin International Film Festival, March 2021
  • Kerry International Film Festival, 2020
  • Chicago Irish Film Festival

Awards

Dublin International Film Festival Aer Lingus Discovery Awards

  • Hazel Doupe – Actress
  • Saileóg O’Halloran – Costume designer
  • Burschi Wojnar – Cinematographer

Credits

Produced by: Claire McCaughley, Rebecca O’Flanagan
Written by: Eva Birthistle

Director Bio

Eva Birthistle is a multi award winning actress. Her 25 year career in the film business has seen her working with directors such as Ken Loach, Neil Jordan, John Crowley and Peter Greenaway to name just a few. She has been nominated 8 times and won 6, including the prestigious London Critics Circle Film Award, 3 Irish film & Television Academy Award and an EFP Shooting Star Award. She has recently turned her hand to writing and directing and has written two shorts and a feature film script. Kathleen Was Here is her directorial debut.

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