13/06/2016 - Element Pictures Distribution acquires UK and Ireland, Koch Media Germany

Producer Hermann Florin and director Conor McDermottroe

Writer/director Conor McDermottroe has commenced a five-week shoot in and around Sligo, Ireland, for culture clash comedy Halal Daddy. The film follows Raghdan Aziz whose new home in the West of Ireland seems to be the perfect getaway from his controlling Bradford based Muslim father, Amir. He’s adored by his Sligo based uncle and aunt, his surf buddies Derek and Neville think he’s really cool and his girlfriend is much desired Sligonian Maeve Logan, so all is going well for Raghdan. However when Amir lands on his doorstep with a birthday present of a halal meat factory, things go awry for happy-go-lucky Raghdan. The film is co-written by Mark O’Halloran (Viva [+see also:
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After directing several shorts McDermottroe made his feature debut in 2009 with Swansong: The Legend of Occi Byrne. The film was nominated for a Golden Frog at the 2010 Camerimage, won 2^nd place in the feature film category at the 2009 Galway Film Fleadh, was nominated for numerous IFTAs, winning Best Actor for Martin McCann, and was nominated for Best International Film at the 2010 Munich Film Festival.

McDermottroe said, “I am delighted to be back home near the location of the true events that inspired our film. Halal Daddy is a truly positive warm hearted comedy of multicultural Ireland at its best.”

Hermann Florin of Germany’s Florin Film, with his Irish outlet Benrae Florin Film, Ailish McElmeel of Ireland’s Deadpan Pictures, are producing with German co-producer Peter Rommel of Rommel Film with the support of the Irish Film Board and Eurimages. Global Screen is handling international sales. Element Pictures Distribution has acquired Irish and UK rights while Koch Media has taken German theatrical and Telepool German television rights. 

Head of Element Pictures Distribution Audrey Sheils said, “We are delighted to be involved with such an exciting and original film which captures the Irish sense of humour perfectly. We look forward to bringing Halal Daddy to cinemas next year and giving audiences a comedy that will make them really laugh out loud.”