Donegal film about defective blocks crisis set for UK Premiere

A film about the defective blocks crisis - with a Donegal director and scenes shot in the county - is set for its UK Premiere next month.

Galar is based on the real-life events of homeowners in Donegal, where a determined father fights to save his crumbling home amidst a neglected housing crisis. The story follows Michael Gallagher, a rural homeowner whose life is upended by the discovery of defective building blocks in his house.

As Michael grapples with the physical decay of his home and the battles with government bureaucracy, he also faces a personal health crisis. The film delves into themes of resilience, community, and the fight for justice amidst adversity.

Galar will be screened at the Bafta-qualifying Carmarthen Bay Film Festival at the Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli, Wales on Monday, May 19, at 11:45am.

Written and directed by Niall Duffy from Malin for production company Keltik Elk, it stars Mark Loughran, Claire Rafferty, Ashana Cummings and Nigel O’Neill.

Growing up on the north west coast, Duffy developed a keen interest in film from an early age. Inspired by Irish history and compelled by the captivating landscape surrounding him, he formed a strong desire to tell unique and original stories.

His previous film, A Rock in the Sea, received over 30 international awards and he was honoured with the Northern Exposure Award at the Disappear Here Film Festival in Donegal.

“When I set out to make this film, it was because I saw firsthand the challenges homeowners in Donegal were facing,” he says. “Their houses were in disrepair, a sign of the neglect these communities had endured for years. It wasn’t just about the physical damage; it was also the mental toll, the weariness from a struggle that seemed endless.

“For me, preparation was key. Like the foundation of a house, pre-production was vital. This film came about out of a need to bring attention to the crisis caused by defective blocks, an issue that many outside Donegal were unaware of. It was clear that such a significant problem wasn’t receiving the national attention it deserved, reinforcing the feeling that Donegal was often overlooked.

READ NEXT: Donegal woman can’t take up TV job due to 'ridiculous' 30-week driving test wait

“As someone who grew up here, I felt a strong connection to the story. It wasn’t just about the issue, it was about friends, family, and neighbours, all of who were affected. It became a crisis that pointed to deeper, systemic problems.

“We filmed across Donegal, including places connected to past protests. It soon became a shared effort, people really came together around it. One moment that stood out was the protest scene, which drew inspiration from the 2021 march in Dublin, when many from Donegal called for accountability. It was emotionally charged, with hundreds of affected homeowners taking part, holding signs and chanting, which gave the scene a real sense of urgency and reality.”