03/12/2013 - John Hannah, Conleth Hill and Bronagh Gallagher star in this film produced by the UK’s New Black Films

Shooting For Socrates, a film about the days of Mexico 1986 when Northern Ireland met mighty Brazil in the World Cup is being filmed in Belfast and will shortly head to Spain. Directed by James Erskine (One Night In Turin) and written by Marie Jones (theatre’s Stones In His Pockets), the film tells the story of a momentous time in Northern Ireland’s football history through the eyes of players, fans and members of the media. John Hannah (The Christmas Candle), Conleth Hill (Whatever Works) and Bronagh Gallagher (Made In Belfast) star. The film also features the wit and wisdom of Brazil’s chain-smoking football genius, the late Socrates de Souza.

James said, “Northern Ireland in 1986 was full of troubles, yet for a select band of brothers they could play against the gods of football. No dream is bigger than that in football. And when I realised that Socrates was the captain of Brazil - it really emphasised to me how this really was a classical story of men taking on the gods, and learning about their own lives.”

The film is being produced by the UK’s New Black Films (Mandela [+see also:
trailer
film profile]) with financing from 4Rights, the rights exploitation arm of Channel4, and Northern Ireland Screen. Metro International Sales will sell the film internationally.

Richard Williams, CEO, Northern Ireland Screen, said: “Good screenplays are the life-blood of our industry and Northern Ireland Screen’s support for both the development and production of this project is born out of our continued commitment to develop a dynamic and vibrant screen industry and culture in Northern Ireland.”

The producers are planning to release in May 2014 to coincide with the World Cup in Brazil.