Ireland has selected “Aontas,” a heist thriller directed by Damian McCann and conducted in the Irish language, to represent the country in the international feature film category at the 2027 Academy Awards. The selection was made by the Irish Film & TV Academy and a committee of prominent industry figures, including filmmaker Lee Cronin and television creator Lisa McGee.
The film presents an unconventional take on the bank robbery genre, told in reverse chronological order. It centers on three criminals, including a troubled woman at the center of the narrative, who attempt to steal from a rural Irish bank. The story begins with the aftermath of their failed heist and gradually unravels how the characters became entangled in this criminal scheme.
“Aontas” features performances from Carrie Crowley, Bríd Brennan, and Eva-Jane Gaffney, among others. The production was a collaborative effort involving funding from multiple sources, including TG4, BBC Gaeilge, and Northern Ireland Screen. Director McCann expressed gratitude for the honor, noting that the film’s international appeal has exceeded expectations despite its distinctly Irish origins.
The selection follows recent successes for Irish cinema on the global stage, with “The Quiet Girl” becoming the nation’s first Oscar nominee for international feature, and “Kneecap” earning an Oscar shortlist position in 2024.
Originally reported by Variety →
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