"The Mighty Celt" (aka Valhalla)
Posted at 7:05 AM (PDT) on Friday, May 14, 2004

Irish Film and Television Network Film News Section

"The Mighty Celt" begins shooting May 17

Treasure Entertainment have confirmed their new feature film now entitled "The Mighty Celt" (aka Valhalla) is scheduled to begin shooting in Belfast on Monday the 17th of May 2004, starring Robert Carlyle and Ex-Files star Gillian Anderson.

Carlyle and Anderson play the lead roles of Donal and Kate in a contemporary coming of age tale story set in the world of Greyhound Racing. Ken Stott, who recently appeared in 'King Arthur', is also expected to appear in a supporting role. Both Carlyle and Anderson are expected to join the shoot in 2 weeks.

The 6 week production has a budget of EUR2.8million and is funded by BBC Films, The Irish Film Board, NIFTC and TV3, the latter securing the television distribution rights for Ireland.

Treasure Entertainment is owned by Paddy Breathnach who have well known films I Went Down, Saltwater and Southpaw in their list of credits.

In his feature debut Pearse Elliot will direct. Elliot has previously directed the BBCNI TV series "Pulling Moves" and wrote Breathnach's other feature "Man About Dog."

The movie is being handled by sales agents The Works in Cannes this week.

The Mirror
May 14, 2004, Friday

Carlyle a Mighty Celt Star
By James Tait

Scots actor Robert Carlyle is teaming up with Gillian Anderson to star in The Mighty Celt.

Set against the backdrop of post-Troubles Northern Ireland, the film revolves around the friendship that develops between a young boy and a greyhound.

BBC Films and the Northern Ireland Film & Television Commission will bankroll the production, with additional cash from the UK National Lottery.

The Mighty Celt marks Anderson's return to UK film making after she won acclaim in Terence Davies's House Of Mirth.

Pearse Elliot, author of Breathnachs Man About Dog, wrote The Mighty Celt and will also direct the movie.

Filming is due to begin in Northern Ireland later this month.

Trainspotting star Carlyle is also being lined up for Abraham's Daughter, a horror movie based on satanic child murders which is to be directed by Antonia Bird.