Lakelands (film)

Lakelands is a 2022 Irish drama film by Robert Higgins and Patrick McGivney of Harp Media in their feature film debut.

Premise
The film centres on local small-town GAA football "outside the bright lights of Croke Park", following a player who struggles to get back into the sport after an injury.

Cast

 * Éanna Hardwicke as Cian Reilly
 * Danielle Galligan as Grace
 * Lorcan Cranitch as Diarmuid
 * Gary Lydon as Bernie
 * Dafhyd Flynn as Sparky
 * Dara Devaney as McGovern
 * Lesley Conroy as Dr. Kelly
 * Seamus O'Rourke as Mulherne
 * Felix Brown as Peter

Production
Patrick O’Neill of Wildcard executive produced the film. Principal photography took place on location in Granard, County Longford in late 2021, wrapping at the end of November. The project received support from Creative Ireland, Longford Arts Office, Backstage Theatre, Longford LEO, and Screen Ireland as well as winning the Bankside Films Marketplace Award at the 2021 Galway Film Fleadh back in August.

Release
Wildcard is handling the distribution of the film in Ireland and the UK. It is expected to have a theatrical release. The film premiered the 2022 Galway Film Fleadh. It will have a U.S. screening at the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Reception
Lakelands has received critical acclaim in Ireland and the UK. On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 100%, based on 16 reviews.