26/01/2024 - The film, set to be presented at the European Film Market, follows a young boy who dreams of becoming a great detective like his TV hero, Kojak

Cillian Sullivan and Danielle Galligan in Spilt Milk (© Shane O'Connor)

A new Irish coming-of-age film, titled Spilt Milk and helmed by Brian Durnin, is now in post-production in Glasgow. The project wrapped principal photography in Dublin in December.

The story of Spilt Milk, penned by Cara Loftus, follows 11-year-old Bobby O’Brien, who dreams of becoming a great detective like his TV hero, Kojak. Bobby sets up a private-investigation enterprise with his best friend Nell, but the disappearance of his older brother sets them off on a quest to find him.

This is the debut feature by Durnin, whose previous shorts have screened and won awards at festivals including Raindance and Tribeca. Durnin is also an international advert director who has helmed over 200 commercials for brands including Guinness, Heinz, Vodafone and McDonald’s. His work has received national and international accolades, including a Cannes Lion and a Kinsale Shark.

The film introduces newcomer Cillian Sullivan in his debut feature-film role as aspiring junior sleuth Bobby, with Naoise Kelly playing his best friend Nell. The young actors are joined by a talented Irish ensemble including Danielle Galligan (Lakelands, Shadow & Bone), Laurence O’Fuarain (The Witcher: Blood Origin) and Pom Boyd (The Dry, Frank of Ireland).

The technical crew is made up of DoP Cathal Watters, editor Colin Monie, production designer Shane McEnroe, costume designer Gwen Jefferes Hourie and casting director Aine O’Sullivan.

Touching on the current state of the project, producer Laura McNicholas tells Cineuropa: “We wrapped the shoot for Spilt Milk in Dublin just before Christmas, and we are now in the edit in Glasgow and are excited to attend the EFM at the Berlinale to introduce it to sales agents and distributors. It is wonderful seeing our massively talented ensemble cast bring the story of Spilt Milk to the screen, and we can’t wait to share it with an audience.”

Meanwhile, producer James Heath added: “I was thrilled when Laura first approached us with the project a couple of years ago, and we jumped on board immediately upon reading Cara’s wonderful script. Brian and Laura’s energy and commitment to getting the project going has been extraordinary to see. We are excited to share this beautiful film that the team has shot at the EFM in Berlin.”

Spilt Milk is being produced by Laura McNicholas for Dublin-based 925 Productions (Ireland) and James Heath for Glasgow-based MTP (UK) in association with Cormac Fox for Kilmacanogue-based Vico Films (Ireland). The film was developed with the support of Screen Ireland, with production funding provided by Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán and RTÉ. Support also comes from the Irish and UK government tax credits.

Delivery is expected in April 2024, with a festival release slated for mid- to late 2024.