WGI would like to congratulate the writers and filmmaking teams behind the four brand-new Storyland dramas, announced by Screen Ireland and RTÉ and premiering this December on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

Since its inception in 2009, Storyland has acted as a launch pad for Irish writing, directing, producing and acting talent throughout Ireland to develop and further their careers.

Jason Branagan – The Ick
Airing Monday, 8 December on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player at 9:30pm.  

When an image-obsessed dater contracts a mysterious condition that causes her to embody the worst traits of her romantic rejections, she’s forced to confront her own superficiality before the “ick” consumes her, or someone else. Starring Sophie Vavasseur, Hannah Mamalis and Jack Hickey. Produced by Aaron Chalke and written and directed by Jason Branagan for Playbook Media.

Daniel Butler & Matthew Roache – Dúirt Bean Liom
Airing Thursday, 11 December on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

In a quiet Gaeltacht town, a Kurdish family’s attempt to seek justice following an altercation with local teens sets off a chain reaction based on fear and misunderstanding. A misread encounter becomes twisted through word of mouth into something more sinister and as rumours spread like wildfire, a town is gripped by panic, culminating in a volatile showdown. Starring Danny Mac Eachmharcaigh, Seroosh Max Salimi, Zak Moradi, Tim Creed, Megan Armitage and Gina Goda. Produced by Lia Campbell and directed and co-written by Daniel Butler, co-written by Matthew Roache for Escape Pod Media.

Anna Rodgers – Grace
Premiering on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Monday, 15 December.

Grace, a young woman with Down Syndrome, has a boyfriend. Their quiet love story is upended as others make decisions on her behalf, forcing her to fight for her independence, her relationship and her right to be heard. Grace is a poignant coming-of-age drama centred on a woman in her late 20s with Down Syndrome, navigating the complexities of adulthood, independence and first love from within a residential support house. Filmed entirely from Grace’s perspective, conversations about her life are overheard through door cracks, over banisters, or from the next room, immersing the audience in her world. Starring Fiadhnait Canning and Luca Malocco Mulville. Grace also features Carrie Crowley, Jeanne Nicole Ní Áinle, Deirdre Morley, Ally Ní Chiaráin and others. Produced by Nuala Carr, Executive Producer is Zlata Filipovic and written and directed by Anna Rodgers for Invisible Thread.

Michael Carolan – Collision
Airing on Thursday, 18 December on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

Two schoolmates go on the run after causing a deadly car crash. As justice edges closer, the boys confront their feelings. The project was filmed on location in Westport, Co. Mayo. Starring Cúán Hosty Blaney and Cameron Brady. Written and directed by Michael Carolan and produced by Emer Durcan and cinematographer Brian Durcan for Western Front Studios.

Full details here

Image from Grace