Audiences in Derry/Londonderry can look forward to enjoying a screening of the Celtic Tiger film with a difference King Frankie as part of Film Hub NI’s special Collective programme which brings local films to local places via its network of community cinemas.
King Frankie tells the redemption story of Frankie Burke, starring Peter Coonan (Love/Hate) as a kindly taxi driver living a quiet life who is forced to confront the ghosts of his past on the death of his father. The gritty Irish drama, which premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival to critical acclaim, explores complex themes of mental health, loss and guilt in a raw, yet sensitive manner.
King Frankie's cast includes Peter Coonan, Ruairi O'Connor, Claudia Beatty and Conor MacNeill.
King Frankie introduces Broughshane teenager Claudia Beatty as a young actor with Down’s Syndrome who enjoys a special bond with Frankie as he drives her about. Belfast actor Conor MacNeill (The Tourist, Industry, The Sixth Commandment, Derry Girls) also delivers a strong performance as the hotel manager given the run-around by Frankie.
Eavan King, Nerve Centre says: “King Frankie is a wonderful Irish film and we are delighted to be able to show it at Nerve Centre on Thursday 6 February as part of Film Hub NI’s 2025 Collective Tour. Dermot Malone’s ultimately hopeful parable about greed, guilt, and redemption, is served well by the ever-versatile Peter Coonan who conjures the many faces of Frankie — from repugnant to repentant — with ease.”
Sara Gunn-Smith, Film Hub NI says: “The profile of Irish film has grown significantly over the past decade, so we are delighted to kick off the New Year with a special tour for this incredible debut film by Writer/Director Dermot Malone, who leads the young and creative Banjoman team who brought the story of King Frankie to screen on a micro budget.
“The film charts the life of a man who enjoyed huge financial success during the Celtic Tiger years, but got badly burned. It’s a story of pain, grief and loss but also redemption, change and hope which we feel audiences will appreciate. It fits perfectly with Film Hub’s aim to ensure that the widest selection of independent film is available to diverse audiences in Northern Ireland. We’re also delighted to welcome some of the film’s cast and crew for Q&As at our Film Hub member screenings in Newcastle, Bangor, Belfast and Ballymena.”
Written and directed by Dermot Malone, King Frankie was filmed on location in Dublin and Meath.
Dermot Malone, Writer / Director, Banjoman says: “We are so happy to be able to work with Film Hub NI to bring King Frankie to audiences right across the north. I hope that people find a connection with Frankie and can take from his story that everyone deserves a second chance. I look forward to joining some of the screenings and hearing what audiences think.”.
Filmed on location in Dublin and Meath, King Frankie is the debut film from Banjoman Productions, released by leading Irish distributor Wildcard.
Film Hub NI is part of the BFI Film Audience Network supported through National Lottery funding, distributed by the British Film Institute.
King Frankie will be shown at Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry on Thursday 6 February at 7pm. Tickets cost £6 plus booking fee.
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