By John O’Brien
CLODAGH, an Irish short film selected for the prestigious OSCAR qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival, will screen at the Allen Theatre at the festival in Cleveland on Tuesday April 9th at 12:05 PM as part of Shorts Program 9.
British/Irish director Portia A. Buckley’s Clodagh follows Mrs. Kelly, a lonely, devout, and rigorously honest housekeeper (Bríd Ní Neachtain – Banshees of Inisherin, The Wind That Shakes the Barley) who discovers a young Irish girl, Clodagh (Katelyn Rose Downey – An Cailín Ciún The Quiet Girl, Nun 2, The Princess) with exceptional promise. The room goes still to all in it, times stops, and creates a moral conundrum for Mrs. Kelly, uncertainty for the quiet but quick to smile Clodagh, who just wants to be accepted by the others, and an uncertain path forward.
Clodagh received its world premiere in January 2024 at Flickerfest, Australia, where it played as part of the opening night ‘Festival Highlights’ programme. Clodagh co-stars Aidan O’Hare (Jackie, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Sisters Brothers) and Jim Kitson.
I loved CLODAGH – engaging, exceptionally well-acted, and surprising turns. It is one of those rare films that you hope never ends. Do Not Miss this uplifting embrace if you can make it to the 48th Cleveland International Film Festival on Tuesday or watch for possible streaming to follow. I will be watching for it at the OSCARS.
#CIFF #CleFilmFest Festival #iIrish #Clodagh
