Spilt Milk

Brian
Durnin

Brian Durnin is an award-winning filmmaker from Dublin. His debut feature film Spilt Milk had its World Premiere at Tallinn Black Nights International Film Festival to great reviews and was nominated for four IFTA's including Best Director. Spilt Milk had its Irish and UK premieres at Dublin International Film Festival and the Glasgow Film Festival where it won the Mubi Audience Award. Brians' short films have screened at numerous prestigious international festivals including TriBeCa - winning awards at Cork, Kerry, Galway, Belfast, Raindance and Rome as well as garnering IFTA nominations. He has also directed hundreds of TV commercials across the globe, working with household names like Saoirse Ronan and collecting numerous domestic and international awards.

The ambitious debut of Irish director Brian Durnin takes us to Dublin in 1984 and follows the story of Bobby (12), a devoted fan of the TV series Kojak who dreams of becoming a detective. But his enthusiasm earns him little respect at school or home. His only real support is his loyal friend Nell, who accompanies him on all his escapades. Bobby’s older brother Oisin is struggling to find work, and when he suddenly disappears without a trace, Bobby finds himself facing his first real “case.” The trail leads to a feared local gangster – but the truth lies much closer to home, in a community ravaged by drugs and despair. The film begins as a gentle, humorous tale of a playful boy chasing his dreams, but gradually evolves into a powerful, urgent drama about coming of age in hard times. Backed by a strong visual character and a sense of authenticity, the film was shot on location in former social housing neighborhoods.