BAD THINGS IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, 90min., Ireland, Crime/Horror
Directed by Garry Walsh
A group of criminals lay low in the remote Irish countryside after pulling off an audacious robbery. As they plan their escape they quickly realise the robbery will be the last thing to go right for them.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
I've worked in film and TV for the past eight years and have produced several successful feature documentaries distributed worldwide. But I got into film to write and direct my own projects, so when the opportunity presented itself to put together a great team and raise some finance for my directorial debut, I decided it was now or never. I've always loved comedies and horror, and the small budget meant it would have to be a contained feature with a small cast and more or less one location, which in the end, worked in our favour.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

From conception to delivery, the finished feature took one year to complete. We shot over lockdown, which presented any number of obstacles to overcome, but it was still finished in a relatively short period. Sometimes not having an endless budget can have its positives, and a fast shooting and delivery schedule was one of them.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Quirky. Ambitious.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Well, as mentioned above, we shot over lockdown in a very remote and rural part of Ireland over a cold December and January, so our obstacles were almost too many to name. But we got there in the end.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It was great to see the reaction of a North American audience and was great to see that our very quirky Irish film could be enjoyed by foreign viewers.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I've always been obsessed with film and TV, and it's been a massive part of my life since I was a kid. Growing up in a working-class neighbourhood in Dublin in the 90s meant being a filmmaker wasn't something you would think of as a career option, so I'd have come to it maybe later than others (late 20s) before I thought this could be something I spend my life doing.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Superman (1978)

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Many festivals overlook the films' actual screenings and focus more on awards ceremonies or events. While these are nice to talk part in, filmmakers crave the screening and audience reactions above all else.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How have your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Very good.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Steak, mashed potatoes and asparagus with parmesan cheese.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

A new crime, dark comedy feature, COMMON PEOPLE.