After such a long wait we were finally in our seats to watch the premiere of my son’s first feature film, Christy at the prestigious Berlinaile International Film Festival.

The speeches were made to open the festival and finally the lights went down and the film began.

I wasn’t fully sure what to expect of the movie, and within minutes I found myself emotionally gripped by the story and throughout I laughed and I cried, I cheered on the main characters and hoped that things would work out for them, and at the very end, and I really don’t want to give anything away of the story, I wept and had to take a few moments to dry my eyes and gather myself.

The movie was brilliant and moving, all of the talented actors and everyone involved waved the Irish and Knocknaheeney, Cork flag proudly and yes, my son did good, beyond good, brilliant.

After the movie had finished and I dried my eyes, I chatted with Daithí O’Dronai who did the music score, to see how he enjoyed it, and how he went about creating such a beautiful sound backdrop throughout the film to match the story.

I then managed to catch Brendan, the man of the moment for a couple of words before chatting with some of the very talented cast; Diarmuid Nose, Sophia McNamara, Emma Willis and Ciaran Bermingham, a mix of established and brand new actors about their experience of working in the movie and some other projects they are involved in.

At the after party I finally caught up with the extremely humble and down to earth, Daniel Power who played the main character Christy in the movie. This superstar in the making explained his journey from rapping to acting, and how easy that transition was for him and once again it shows the huge role that initiatives like the Kabin Studio can play in young people’s lives.

A few drinks later and it was time to get to bed - this wasn't your typical Valentine’s Day, but it was the day when an international audience fell in love with Christy, with Knocknaheeny and this special love letter to Cork city.

Christy will be showing in cinemas this summer - you are in for a very special treat.

Podcast Production by Greg Canty

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