By Valerie Milano
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/17/24 – In an exploration of faith and ethical quandaries, Portia A. Buckley’s latest Irish short film, Clodagh tells a story of trust and compassion. The film delves into the life of a devout housekeeper working for a priest, who faces a profound moral conflict when she encounters a young girl of remarkable talent. As she grapples with the tension between adhering to religious integrity and bending the rules for the sake of passion, Clodagh offers a compelling narrative that captivates and challenges audiences.
The multi-meaning behind Clodagh is rich and filled with lessons for the audience. Buckley declares, “The message of this film is about people coming to crossroads in their lives. When Mrs. Kelly tells this lie, although it goes against some moral belief, really, it’s for the greater good and essentially, she’s taking a leap of faith and a leap of hope in taking Clodagh on. We all have these moments in our lives, and it needs a bit of bravery. I would like to encourage myself and everyone else to take those leaps of faith and believe in people, support one another, and something magical will happen. I think for Mrs. Kelly, as someone who doesn’t have a partner and doesn’t let passion lead her life, this is a very powerful moment for her when she witnesses this dance.”
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At the films end, viewers may wonder what Mrs. Kelly and other characters might be up to in their own journeys beyond the film, and possibly leading into a second installment of this work. The esteemed director elaborates, “We had such an amazing time with Bríd Ní Neachtain, who is Mrs. Kelly. She brought so much more to Mrs. Kelly than what was on the page. Clodagh, played by Katelyn Rose Downey, is a star. We feel like there is more mileage in these characters and we’d love to explore them further. We would love to see a road trip with Mister Hickey; a heartfelt trio on a journey of self-discovery where they all learn things about themselves. Maybe for Mrs. Kelly her self-discovery is how she finds joy and how to live in a joyous way.”
As Clodagh was at HollyShorts 2024 film festival, it promised not only to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative but also to leave them contemplating the deeper messages woven throughout. Portia A. Buckley’s exploration of faith, morality, and the power of taking leaps of faith invites viewers to reflect on their own crossroads and the bravery required to navigate them. With standout performances and richly developed characters, the film’s potential for further storytelling is evident, hinting at future journeys of self-discovery and joy. Clodagh stands as a testament to the transformative power of trust and compassion, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for Mrs. Kelly and her companions.
The 20th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival took place from August 8th to 18th at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update. #HollyShorts2024 #FilmFestival #ShortFilms #CinematographyForActors #DigitalLA #TCLChineseTheatre #Hollywood
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