Festival Focus - Belfast 1912
Belfast 1912 is Dominic O'Neill’s first short. The 11min film had the judges talking nonstop about theories and possible meanings to it. The story centres around John Newell, a renowned physician, and a tortured soul. He gathers two colleagues, their wives and a mysterious medium for a seance, where he reveals a dark secret that will change the course of their lives, and possibly the world, forever.
“The film began as a stark image in my head: a group of fearful Edwardians huddled and confused around a green 1980's radio. This quickly grew into a story about obsession and grief, and the eternal search for truth in an ever-chaotic world.” The description of an ever-chaotic world hits home when considering we cannot predict what will happen to us. This concept in itself is truly terrifying, the unknown and the perpetual now are more than enough to keep even the most hardcore horror fan lying awake at night. Even the most mundane tasks can quickly become that life changing event that lives on past our own mortality.
His strong visual style is influenced by British and American horror films of the 60's and 70's, with a mixture of traditional Irish storytelling and folklore styles. The warm and inviting candle lit scenes contradicts the situation, confusing our perception.
Creating a sense of unease that we just can’t escape from. The well designed periodic set emersed us in the era, holding us captive. Belfast 1912 will take you through waves of emotions, taking you back to a time we think we are familiar with.
O’Neill is “excited to share our strange little film with the world”. At the Romford Horror Festival, we love strange, so it fits right in.
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You can find Dominic O'neill's IMDB Profile Here
