Short film premieres at Dunamaise Arts Centre

POULASTORE, a new Laois short film written by Cabrini Cahill and co-directed by Ann Marie Kelly and Cahill, premiered to attentive crowds at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise on 7 February.

The production, which features cinematography by Sean Weiss, is a quiet meditation on connection at the end of life.

Produced by Mark de Carreau of Five Line Films, the story follows an older man who is approaching the end of his life and the bond he develops with a palliative care nurse in a narrative that is tender and deeply moving.

Told through minimal dialogue, the film honours the profound emotional labour of care, as well as the dignity that can be found in our final moments.

The film stars TV actor Charlie Hughes and features the debut of Sharon O’Brien. The soundscape enriches the experience, with an original score by composer Denis Carey and a song by celebrated songwriter Lisa O’Neill.

The film had previously enjoyed life as part of the Oscar-qualifying Foyle Film Festival in Derry in November 2025, where it was selected by a panel, led by producer Arthur Lappin, known for The Boxer, Bloody Sunday and In the Name of the Father.

The project was the recipient of the Laois Short Film Bursary 2024. Filming took place across several notable locations in Co Laois, including Kilone Hill, Abbeyleix, the historic Ballykilcavan House and Dunmore caves.

Poulastore is funded by Laois Arts Office and county council, in partnership with Creative Ireland, reflecting a strong commitment to nurturing original storytelling in the region.

See more photos from the opening night in this week's Laois Nationalist.