"A Simple Killing" Selected for Athlone Film Festival 2025

Jason Branagan’s horror short A Simple Killing, featuring a score by acclaimed Irish composer Emer Landers, has been selected as one of seven films to screen at the Athlone Film Festival 2025. Taking place on May 3rd at the Athlone IMC cinema, the festival runs in conjunction with the nationally renowned RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival.

Since its inception in 2019, the Athlone Film Festival has been dedicated to showcasing high-quality short films from Ireland and abroad. By design, the festival features a single main screening, providing audiences and filmmakers the opportunity to experience all selected films together. A lively Q&A session with the filmmakers follows the screening, encouraging collaboration and dialogue. Additional events, such as screenwriting workshops and networking opportunities, will also take place throughout the day.

A Simple Killing continues its impressive festival run after making its world premiere at the Raindance Film Festival in London and its US debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival earlier this year. The film, written by Mark Conway and produced by Emer Durcan of Western Front Studios and Mark de Carreau of Five Line Films, was shot at Bellefield House and Gardens in Shinrone, county Offaly. It was awarded €10,000 by the Film Offaly Short Film Bursary 2023. Starring Daphne Cheung, Claire Gavin, and Aidan O'Callaghan, the short is a gripping tale brought to life with cinematography by Brian Durcan and stunt work by Irish coordination company Total Stunts.

The RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival, established in 1953, is one of Ireland’s most prestigious cultural events, showcasing outstanding plays and offering fringe activities such as lectures and workshops. Its long history of celebrating the arts aligns perfectly with the innovative spirit of the Athlone Film Festival.

For further information, visit the official website of the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival.