Matthew hopes to reel in audiences with his film ‘Beach Baby’

Matthew Killen,30,from Downpatrick, a former South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Northern Ireland Film and Television School (NIFTS) graduate, has secured a place with his film ‘Beach Baby’ at the Dublin-based 11th International Underground Cinema Film Festival, which runs from September 4-6.

Matthew originated the concept for ‘Beach Baby’ whilt studying on the HND Creative Media Production at the college’s Bangor campus.

He made a student version of the film which earned him a distinction grade. He later developed the script and secured funding to remake the film and better realise his vision.

Matthew said: “‘Beach Baby’ follows Ethan and Chloe, a young couple whose relationship is tested when they find out that Ethan has lung cancer and Chloe is pregnant. We follow their journey together as we see them trying to deal with this sudden change in both their lives.”

The film, set in Belfast, was also shot on locations in Bangor, Downpatrick and Newcastle.

It stars Dublin actors Marie Devine and Shane Brohan with Shannen Lofthouse and Jake Douglas from Northern Ireland. The film score was composed by Stephen Kavanagh, also from Dublin.

Matthew said it took a week to shoot the film and this was followed by a year-long editing process.

“I called in favours, left right and centre and ran a fundraising campaign through Indiegogo which raised over £500, the majority of which was used to pay the composer for the score with the actors, all of whom I know, donating their amazing talents and skills. It’s fantastic to know that they had as much conviction and belief in the script as myself. I am overwhelmed with their generosity and investment of talent in making ‘Beach Baby’ a reality and exactly how I wanted it to be completed.”

Matthew said he is “thrilled” ‘Beach Baby’ has been selected for the 11th International Underground Cinema Film Festival.

“It will be one of a hundred films selected for screen over the three days of the festival. You never know who will be watching your film or what connections might be made on the back of a screening.”

SERC media lecturer, Alison Thompson, said: “Matty was a distinction student at SERC. He is an incredibly talented guy and very driven to succeed in the industry. We are incredibly proud of his success and are looking forward to following ‘Beach Baby’s’ festival run – and hopefully picking up a few accolades along the way!”

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