Newtown Boys: A Short Film with Oscar Aspirations
A short film from Irish production company Heritage is gaining attention for its poignant story and potential to reach the Oscars. Newtown Boys, set in Waterford, Ireland, explores a transformative moment in the 1960s – a family’s act of kindness towards a boy from a religious institution.
A Story Rooted in True Events
The film centers on the connection between Conn and Joseph, a young boy living in a Catholic-run orphanage who spends a weekend with the O’Sullivan family. This experience sparks a lifelong friendship. The story is based on the experiences of writer Heather O’Sullivan’s own family. According to producer Emily Power, the joy felt by the two boys during their time together is central to the film’s message. Heritage highlights the film’s themes of childhood connection, community, and the human consequences of Ireland’s past.
Heritage and the Pursuit of Recognition
Heritage, the production company behind Newtown Boys, previously produced the Oscar-longlisted short film Two For The Road. Emily Power, the film’s producer, hopes Newtown Boys will achieve similar success. The company plans to submit the short to festivals in Ireland, including Fastnet, and then to festivals in America, with the ultimate goal of an Oscar longlisting. Heritage emphasizes the film’s message of hope and the power of human connection in a world often filled with negativity.
The Importance of Authenticity and Community
Power notes that having a writer with a personal connection to the story, Heather O’Sullivan, was beneficial. O’Sullivan insisted on including details, such as the presence of Conn’s sisters, to accurately reflect the Irish family dynamic of the time. The film was shot in Tramore and the surrounding areas of Waterford, with strong support from the local community, facilitated by O’Sullivan’s local ties.
Rising Stars and Collaborative Funding
Newtown Boys features a talented cast, including young actor Leo Earley, who recently appeared on the Late Late Toy Indicate in 2024 and has been cast in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series. The film’s funding came from a syndicate of businesswomen, led by Edwina Fitzmaurice, with connections to Ireland, India, and Chile, who sought a creative outlet for their resources.
Newtown School’s Historical Context
The film’s setting in Waterford is also notable for its connection to Newtown School, founded in 1798. Originally established for the education of Quakers, the school has evolved into a multi-denominational institution while maintaining its Quaker ethos. South East Technological University (SETU) has recently played a key role in digitizing the school’s 225-year archives, making its history more accessible.