Filming is currently underway in the idyllic barony of Erris in North Mayo for a new feature film ‘Cry From The Sea’.
The new movie which is a Canadian-Irish production will feature a star studded line up to include ‘Captain America: The First Avenger‘ and musical ‘Mamma Mia‘ star Dominic Cooper as well as stars Sarah Gadon, Aidan Quinn and Sarah Bolger.
About the movie
Written by Ciaran Creagh, ‘Cry From The Sea’ is set in the aftermath of World War I and the Irish Civil War. The film centres around Cooper’s character Seamus Óg Mac Grianna — an Irish lighthouse keeper who has created a life of isolation and ritual in penance for a tragedy he feels he should have prevented. His only company is Maire (Bolger), his housekeeper and protector, who enables him to remain closed off from the world while quietly waiting for him to see her. His meticulously structured world begins to crack thought when he meets Edith (Gadon), an outspoken American war widow whose quest for closure ignites something in Seamus that will forever change them all.
The movie is set to showcase the natural splendour of Erris and bring its beauty to screens all over the globe. Shooting will take place around the area but in particular at Ballyglass Lighthouse.
Erris as a film destination
Would you like to see where this movie is set? If so, then click here to see our 360 video around Ballyglass Lighthouse. See how beautiful it is for yourself.
According to the Western People, local Fine Gael councillor Gerry Coyle is hopeful that the film will boost tourism numbers in North Mayo, like The Banshees of Inisherin did for Achill Island.
He said: ‘We saw what happened in Achill with the Banshees of Inisherin. I am delighted that Erris has been chosen as the location to film this new movie and you can guarantee that cast and crew will be made to feel very welcome here. We have amazing scenery here in Erris and now the entire world will get to see it.’
Manager of Mayo North Tourism, Mairéad Melody Carr added “Erris and North Mayo in general is an untapped area from a film producers perspective. Its natural and rugged beauty is the perfect setting for any movie. If managed carefully ‘film tourism’ is a real possibility for this area. It would boost the local economy and fill in gaps caused by seasonal tourism lulls.”
Hollywood actors soak up the atmosphere in Erris
The film has also shot scenes in Donegal, but for now, the people of Erris will have their eyes peeled to spot members of this star studded film in their area. Yesterday, Aidan Quinn was spotted out and about at the world class Carne Golf Links whist Dominic Cooper was in McDonnell’s bar in Belmullet over the weekend as the video shows the star enjoy a karaoke session with fellow punters.
Mayo North Tourism, are encouraging locals to be sure and tag @mayonorth on your social media if you are lucky enough to spot some of the stars out and about.
In addition to Aidan Quinns appearance, this video below of Dominic Cooper was shared on Tiktok and captioned: “Highlight of the weekend was seeing Dominic Cooper in one of the locals!”
If you actually want to hear Cooper singing in McDonnells Bar then click on the image below to visit the Erris Journal Facebook page where they have a great video taken from the weekend!
‘Cry From The Sea’ is being directed by Vic Sarin and produced by Vancouver-based Sepia Films and Dublin-based ShinAwiL, who also work on Home of the Year and Dancing With The Stars for RTÉ.
