Galway Shot Film ‘Learning to Breathe Under Water’ Selected for Cannes’ Great 8 Showcase
Another big win for Irish cinema this week. The film is steeped in Galway talent, having been shot in the city last September and co-produced by local company Éiru Films.
Selection for the Great 8 Showcase places Learning to Breathe among a curated group of standout new titles presented to international buyers and festival programmers. The initiative has helped launch critical successes like Aftersun, Saint Maud, and Kneecap. Bankside Films is handling international sales.
It boasts an exciting cast, including acclaimed actors Rory Kinnear (James Bond, Men, The Imitation Game) and Academy Award nominee Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), alongside rising Irish talent Ezra Carlisle, making his debut in a lead screen role.
Éiru Films, founded by Galway locals Ivan McMahon and Heather Higgins, co-produced the film alongside Shudder Films, Wildcard, KeyFilm, and One Wave Films. The production was supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, the WRAP Fund, the UK Global Screen Fund, and international partners.
Written by Richard Brabin and directed by Rebekah Fortune (Just Charlie), Learning to Breathe Under Water tells the story of eight-year-old Leo (Carlisle), who forms an unlikely bond with a giant shark sculpture made by his emotionally distant father. When Anya (Bakalova), a vibrant and free-spirited au pair, enters their lives, she brings colour, warmth and hope to their muted world.
"Bringing this film to life in Galway was incredibly special for us," said Ivan McMahon of Éiru Films. "It’s a region full of creative talent and cinematic landscapes, and we’re proud to have helped tell such a heartfelt story right here at home."
One of the standout filming locations was the disused terminal at Galway Airport, transformed into a working film set.
Heather Higgins added:
"The team at Galway County Council and Galway City Council were incredibly supportive allowing us to use the airport. We were able to turn the disused terminal and hanger one into a working film set, this is a perfect example of how local infrastructure can breathe new life into storytelling. It became one of our most visually striking locations."
With its strong ties to Galway – from locations and crew to its co-producing team – Learning to Breathe Under Water is a shining example of the West of Ireland’s growing influence on the global film scene.
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