The Official Trailer for 'Shadow Town: Is ait an mac an saol' Has Arrived!
Exciting news! The official trailer for Shadow Town is finally here. This is my debut feature-length creative documentary, and it's been a long road getting here. The film blends surrealist storytelling with documentary filmmaking to capture the spirit of a town overtaken by the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the biggest traditional music festival in the world.
Shadow Town isn’t a typical documentary. It’s an immersive, dreamlike experience that merges music, memory, and place. The Fleadh does something to the streets, to the people, to the very air. This film captures that transformation, that sense of something bigger moving through a small Midlands town. It’s part observational documentary, part visual experiment, something that exists in the space between reality and something more abstract.
The official trailer gives a taste of what’s to come—haunting visuals, powerful performances, and a soundscape that pulls you in. Watch it here: [Insert trailer link]
With performances from some of the most captivating traditional musicians, the film brings you into the heart of Irish music culture. You’ll hear the raw energy, the emotion, and the rhythm that pulses through the festival’s streets and stages. Some incredible musicians are featured, including [mention key musicians].
Would love to hear your thoughts. What do you think of the trailer? Any moments stand out? Drop a comment and let me know. Also, keep an eye out for updates—I'll be sharing behind-the-scenes content and festival screening details soon.
The film will be heading to festivals and special screenings in Ireland and beyond. More news on that soon, but for now, just know it’s coming. If you’re excited about Shadow Town, help spread the word. Tag a friend who loves Irish music, independent film, or just something a little different. Use #ShadowTownFilm so I can see who’s following along.
A huge thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey. This film wouldn’t exist without the passion and dedication of so many people. Can’t wait to share it with the world.
Debut feature film: Shadow Town
Post-production is about to commence on my first feature film debut. 'Shadow Town: Is ait a mac an saol' (Life is strange) is the new feature length creative documentary film by Conor English about the Fleadh coming to Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Directed by Conor English, produced by Ethan Scally & Will Russell, written by Will Russell, shot by Conor English & Isaac Burke
‘Is ait an mac an saol’ - Life is strange.
A midland country town swells to a population of half a million for one week during a Saturnalia that transforms it into an alternative metropolis championing culture, arts, revelry and diversity whilst reconciling with its own identity. Here is the first look at the teaser trailer.
Photo by Seamus Kiernan, Westmeath Topic Newspaper
Set to be complete in August 2024
Cheers
Westmeath Film Award 2023 - Film Bursary
‘A story full of heart that celebrates a culturally rich local community in Westmeath’
Delighted to announce that I have been granted the Westmeath Filmmakers Award 2023 - an annual bursary of €10,000 to create a short film.
Read more about it here: https://westmeathculture.ie/news/arts-news/a-story-full-of-heart-that-celebrates-a-culturally-rich-local-community-in-westmeath-filmmaker-conor-english-is-awarded-the-2023-westmeath-film-award/
Millie’s Maxol Magic (2023) - Documentary Film
‘What is seemingly irrelevant today, will be history tomorrow’’
Hello! I heard this said by a man in a documentary I was watching the other night…
‘‘What is seemingly irrelevant today, will be history tomorrow’’
This is one of the main reasons Im drawn to making films and photographs, especially of often overlooked or taken for granted, individuals or stories. I think it’s very important to preserve, save and archive these stories and ‘characters’ we have on our doorstep.
I think there is great beauty in learning something new, gaining a different perspective, taking a second to consider others and how we can help them or even getting an inspiring sense of good from another human being all from the most unlikely source - a man who runs a petrol station in the middle of Ireland.
We’ve did 3 sell-out local screenings so far, to over 500 people. Our first night at the Greville Arms Hotel, we donated all the proceeds to St Camillus Nursing Home Killucan where Millie himself used to volunteer with the patients. Thank you to John and all the staff at the Greville for a great night where Millie himself watched the film for the first time also. Possibly the greatest thing about the film is the ability to gather such crowds in the community together to celebrate a member of the community.
Our second night was in the new Omniplex Cinema in Mullingar. Thank you to Mark, Jason and Richie - this just wouldn’t have happened without the lads who went above and beyond to help us and support local filmmakers. Again another massive community effort and shows what a magical place Mullingar is.
Due to the demand, we did a 3rd and final screening to a full house in the Greville Arms. The next step for Millie’s Maxol Magic is the national and international film festival circuit. After this circuit is complete we will have the film readily available online for everyone to watch.
Big thanks to the local papers for the generous spreads and reviews. Thank you to Martin Quinn at JAM studios for mixing and mastering our sound.
Big thank you to Bernie Newman for the use and capturing the archival footage of Millie many years ago, without this we wouldn’t have the film we have today and look forward to working with Bernie in the future to archive and protect these stories for the future. This footage was on VHS video tapes in Millie’s kitchen and we only discovered what was on those tapes after completing our own filming.
As we embark on our next project I’d like to thank all the support from the community and the people of Mullingar. I think this work is very important and would love to continue to do it, we are in the process of looking for sustainable funding from various sources to continue the work - if you have a story of interest or just want to say hello, fire me an email at conorenglish.artist@gmail.com
Cheers