Edenderry writers film One Sweet Hour to receive world premiere in Estonia

Edenderry screenwriter Eugene O'Brien's film 'One Sweet Hour' is set to receive its world premiere at the prestigious Black Nights film festival in Tallinn, Estonia.

The film, directed by Clara's Declan Recks, centres on two brothers, a monk and an Elvis impersonator, is described by as “a road movie that moves about three miles an hour”.

Gerry is a man in his 50s who has chosen a canal boat as his permanent home and earns a living by impersonating Elvis Presley across various rural locations. Although he has a sweetheart in practically every village, Gerry still feels terribly lonely.

Unexpectedly, one day his brother Colum, who has lived in a monastery under a vow of silence for 30 years, shows up on the boat wanting to spend time with him after their father’s death. Together they embark on a journey along the canals, during which Gerry gives both successful and less successful performances as Elvis Presley. Although he appears healthy, Gerry is battling inner demons that have followed him like a shadow since childhood.

“One Sweet Hour” proved to be the last role for the Irish theatre and film actor Gary Lydon. Together with co-star Brían F. O'Byrne, he forms one half of a conflicted pair of estranged brothers who are actually remarkably similar at heart. Together, they overcome a shared traumatic past and face a rather unpredictable future.

The project was filmed at a number of locations around the Midlands, including in Athlone, with the majority of the film was made in Offaly.