In 2021, Newry-born director and screenwriter Cathy Brady won the Irish Film and Television Award (IFTA) for Best Director - Film for her debut feature, Wildfire.
Having launched her career with several short films, including the IFTA-winning Small Change (2010) and Morning (2012), Brady has also worked on acclaimed television projects such as Rough Skin, Glue, Can’t Cope, Wont Cope and The Doll Factory
Now, the filmmaker wants to encourage other young hopefuls to find success within the industry by hosting a talent lab at this year’s Cinemagic Festival in Belfast.
“Growing up in Newry, I was incredibly shy and so my mum decided to boost my confidence by sending me for speech and drama lessons,” explains Brady of her first steps towards a career in film and television, which also included a pivotal Cinemagic experience.
“This turned out to be a wise decision. The idea of performing and storytelling really appealed to me and before long, I got the bug!
“Then at 16, I went to an event organised by Cinemagic. At the time, Irish film director Aisling Walsh was holding a one-day workshop and it was the first time I’d ever heard her speak.
“I remember she came in and handed us a lot of newspapers and told us to find the story. At the end she gave a performance, and I was stunned.
“I mean, to see another female who’d had such success in the industry was so encouraging. I suddenly realised that I could actually make a career out of doing something I loved. It was a wonderful moment.
“Even now, I think of the encouragement and vision that Cinemagic gave me. That’s why I want to pass it on to the next generation. There’s no doubt, Cinemagic will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Described as a ‘powerful and haunting Irish drama’, Wildfire tells the story of two estranged sisters who reunite and begin to unravel the secrets from their past.
Released in 2020, the film has been a huge hit, and Brady’s unusual method of casting prior to having a script has attracted comment.
She explains: “The film came about because, having previously worked with its stars, Nora-Jane Noone and Nika McGuigan [who passed away during post-production in 2019 following a battle with cancer], I felt as though we had something special.
“From the moment we met, I felt I’d found my tribe. I was fascinated by their talent and energy and so I decided to bring them together.
I think of the encouragement and vision that Cinemagic gave me and I want to pass it on to the next generation. There’s no doubt Cinemagic will always hold a special place in my heart
— Cathy Brady
“I remember watching them interact and thinking, ‘we have something magical here!’ I told them I wanted to write a story specially for them, and six months later I came back with something more solid.”
The title, Wildfire, references how malicious rumours spread and the damage that can ensue. The story is based on a complex mix of regional history, real-life psychological traumas, and a hefty dose of fiction.
“The psychological aspect of the story involved years of research. It’s one thing to read about trauma and its psychological impact, in a textbook or to speak about it with professionals in the field, but hearing about it from someone with a lived experience, is a different thing altogether.
“I think this personal element of the research ensured not only more integrity, but also more compassion.”
Apparently, one of Brady’s major creative challenges with the film was solved by a fellow countryman, Van Morrison.
“We were struggling to find music for the dance scene and were considering using Horses by Patti Smith.
“Nothing worked, but one day in rehearsals I asked Martin McCann, who plays Sean, what song would get everyone on the dancefloor at a wedding.
“He played Gloria by [Van Morrison’s old band] Them. We immediately knew that it was the one! Thank-you Mr Morrison.”
Everything was set to go when a global pandemic threatened to destroy the whole project.
“We’d finished the film a few days before Covid struck and the world went into lockdown. I didn’t know what would happen, and at one point I was convinced the film would never see the light of day!
“Of course, it turned out OK in the end, but it was five years in the making!”
With the countdown to her Cinemagic event tomorrow evening now underway, Brady is looking forward to meeting those who could be the next generation of movie makers.
“I can’t wait,” she tells me, “there’ll be lots of tips and information, but it’ll also be great fun.
“In the meantime, I’d like to offer a few suggestions to those hoping to make a career in films or television.
“A while back, I did some teaching, and one of my students asked about using AI for scripts. I think, given the advances in modern technology, it’s worth addressing this subject.
“The reality is that, if you use AI to write for you then you will only ever emulate instead of creating.
“Those kernels of ideas need to be nurtured and allowed to develop. That’s where the most interesting stories come from.
“I’m sure there’s lots of advice out there but, when it comes to story writing, I think it’s essential to know what you want to say and why you want to say it.
“Of course, due diligence is essential, but to have an opinion - to use your voice - is what makes you stand out in the world.”
Cinemagic Screenwriting & Directing for Film & TV Talent Lab with Cathy Brady, Saturday October 24, Accidental Theatre, Belfast, 5pm. Tickets and full Cinemagic programme available via cinemagic.org.uk/festivals
