Irish Film Institute -International Film Directory – Film Listing

Sanctuary

    • Director

      Len Collin

    • Credits

      Producer:
      Edwina Forkin

      Writer:
      Christian O’Reilly

    • Principal Cast

      Charlene Kelly
      Kieran Coppinger
      Robert Doherty
      Frank Butcher
      Paul Connelly
      Valerie Egan
      Michael Hayes
      Patrick Becker
      Emer Macken
      Jennifer Cox

  • Category

    Feature

Larry, a young man with Down syndrome, is in love with Sophie, who has severe epilepsy, and is keen to express his love for her. With the help of their care-worker, they plan a romantic afternoon in a Galway hotel under cover of a cinema outing with their care centre friends.

The afternoon proves eventful as they each experience new freedoms and new challenges. At the core of the film is the right for people with intellectual disabilities to enjoy consensual sexual relationships, a right they are currently denied.

The script for Len Collin’s ambitious debut has been tailored to the strengths of each of its cast, most of whom have intellectual disabilities. It is filled with joy and welcome insights into their world. An astonishing achievement.

Awards:

Best Irish Feature Film, Dublin Film Critics' Circle Awards, 2017
Dublin Film Critics’ Circle Michael Dwyer Discovery Award, Audi Dublin International Film Festival, 2017
Best First Irish Feature, Galway Film Fleadh, 2016
Jury award for Best Director, Newport Beach Film Festival, 2016

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn

87 minutes, Ireland, 2017, Colour

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