At-Swim-Two-Birds to make big screen transition
13th July 2011
The acclaimed Flann O'Brien novel At-Swim-Two-Birds is to be adapted for the big screen after Irish actor and director Brendan Gleeson secured funding for the film.
The announcement was made at the Galway Film Fleadh following the signing of a movie co-production treaty between Ireland and Luxembourg, revealed Irish cultural ambassador Gabriel Byrne.
'What exciting possibilities will be born out of this exciting co-production treaty including the film At-Swim-Two-Birds, to be directed by the visionary Brendan Gleeson, which I have no doubt will find a worldwide audience,' he stated.
A number of Irish actors including Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy and Byrne himself have been linked to the production, which follows the story of a teenage boy whose fictional characters rebel against him.
Talk of a film adaptation of the novel, which was first published in 1939, had been ongoing for years, until Gleeson finally secured the funding.
Arts minister Jimmy Deenihan said he is hoping the production, which is due to start filming next year, will be shot in Ireland and will help to boost interest in the country's film industry.