Oscar-winning short film The Shore; set in Co Down, The Shore is a film directed by Terry George and starring Ciaran Hinds and Conleth Hill as childhood best friends Joe and Paddy. Watch the trailer here

Q&A with director Terry George! 

We got up close and personal with Oscar nominated director Terry George to ask him questions from our Facebook fan page and ourselves (because we are a nosy lot!)

Some questions for Terry from our Facebook fans:

I'm thinking of going up to Northern Ireland to trace my family's origins. Where was this movie filmed??
It was filmed mainly in and around Killough in County Down. Which is a particularly beautiful part of Ireland and very friendly, you can expect a warm welcome from the extended George family if you mention the film – they were all extras. You may find a relation!

Loved the trailer, can't wait to see the full film. Where will I be able to watch it, is it going on general release?
It will be available for download on itunes worldwide on Feb 21st. In Belfast it will be playing at the Queens Film Theatre from Friday 2nd March to Thursday 8th March. It will also be playing in theaters worldwide with the other nominated short films – you can find the times and locations here.

Seeing as Terry is a similar age to the main character, and he too, by finally filming in Ireland, is making a return to his home, could you ask him if the film is in any way based on true events?
The film was inspired by a true story! My uncle Anthony was out picking mussels in the bay we shot in when a long-lost friend returned home from decades in Australia and similar hijinks ensued. I loved the story and wanted to use it to make a love letter to the acts of reconcilliation which have taken place in Northern Ireland since the peace process.

Trailer looks great! I read Terry's daughter produced the film - is this the first time they worked together? What was that like?!
We also worked together on Hotel Rwanda, where she was the Production Manager in Rwanda. It was great working with my whole family – my sister also did the costumes and my son was the 2nd AD. My daughter is the toughest boss.

What's your fave Irish food to eat when you first arrive home?
Stew, my mum was a school cook and she was famous for her stew. We all keep to her recipe but you have to be home to get the local ingredients – mince and veg from Duffy’s shop in Killough for it to be even close to hers.

...and some questions from us in Tourism Ireland.

What’s your favourite spot in Ireland?
The location where we shot, Killough Bay and the cemetry nearby (which is also in the film) at Tyrella Beach where my parents are buried.

What’s your favourite Irish film?
My Left Foot

Why do you think the Irish character lends itself so well to acting, directing and filmic talents?
The oral history of storytelling is so vibrant, it is part of the national character, that lends itself to communicating both through film and on a set. The communal work of filmmaking does seem to suit the Irish, you become a little village in this trade. We speak English, so many people can access our work, but we’re not actually representing the mainstream culture. Irish filmmakers often come at universal idea from a sideways angle, so the stories feel fresh and original. Probably most important is that Ireland heavily promotes the arts and culture, so it’s possible for young people to persue a career in film.

Finally, What are you planning on wearing to the Oscars?
Dusting off the tux.

Thanks for that Terry - good luck and all the best!!