21st Annual European Union Film Festival
- The Drummer and the Keeper
- Ireland2017
- Nick Kelly
- 92 DCP
- NR
- EUFF 2018
Screening Dates
- December 1, 2018 8:40
“Heralds the arrival of a very impressive new talent.”
Brian Ó Tiomáin, Film Ireland
Writer-director Nick Kelly, frontman for ’90s Irish band The Fat Lady Sings, brings his rock ‘n’ roll knowhow to bear on this poignant tale of friendship and mental health set against the Dublin music scene. Gabriel, a talented but self-destructive drummer for an about-to-break Dublin band, has just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder—the same decease that destroyed his mother. Medicated and enrolled in a mixed-ability soccer league, Gabriel meets Christopher, a 17-year-old with Asperger’s. A reluctant bond is forged between them, one that opens horizons for both. Kelly, whose own son is on the spectrum, colours the film with warmth, affection, and organic, lived-through humour. Winner of Best Irish First Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh.