‘Brown Bread’ filmed entirely in Longford ‘is a modern twist on Irish emigration story’

‘Brown Bread' is the title of the eagerly anticipated debut short film, written and directed by double Emmy-nominated documentarian, Longford’s Shaunagh Connaire.

The stellar cast includes Katie McGrath as Áine, Fionnula Flanagan as Betty, Dermot Crowley as Seamus and Kevin McGahern as Paul.

‘Brown Bread' will premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh on Wednesday, July 9 and with a tapestry of personal experience, a distinguished cast, and sensitive storytelling, it is set to establish Shaunagh as a filmmaker to watch.

The film is about coming home and what has been left behind.

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Emotionally-driven and full of realism between the dynamics of the characters, Shaunagh’s talent shines through. 

It has aspects of humour, yet it tenderly addresses the duality of building one’s future and leaving home.

Yet, unlike many films that depict the concept of never returning, the character of Áine returns to the familiar.

Shaunagh has had an extensive career in documentaries over fifteen years, as well as working as a former director for George and Amal Clooney’s Foundation for Justice.

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When creating this short film, Shaunagh pulled from her own experiences which became the overall premise.

It is her debut into the independent film industry, although her experiences have been very impressive throughout her career.

She explained, “I previously had been working for places like BBC and Channel 4 and PBS Frontline, and writing a script has always been a creative itch. The inspiration came when I missed my godmother’s funeral.

“My godmother, Mary McDonnell, was also from Longford. Almost three years ago, I missed her funeral when I was in Manhattan because I was in the process of getting a green card.”

Having a great respect and love for Longford, 'Brown Bread' was filmed entirely in Longford, which Shaunagh pushed for. The entire interior scenes were done in her family home’s kitchen.

She heaped praise on Creative Ireland Longford personnel who were enormously supportive of the 'Brown Bread' project. “They were incredibly generous and this was helpful when pitching the script to actors.

“I remember at the beginning of the process someone said it was cheaper in Dublin, I was really adamant that we did it in Longford. I’m extremely proud to be from Longford and put the county on the map.”

This marks Shaunagh’s first foray into narrative drama, turning her storytelling lens toward emigration and family tension in modern Ireland.

Known for her journalistic work with the BBC, Channel 4, PBS Frontline, and The Financial Times, Shaunagh brings a deeply personal and emotional perspective to the story.

The inspiration for Brown Bread came from her own experience of being unable to return to Ireland from the U.S. for her godmother’s funeral.

Witty and real, “Brown Bread” is a must-see short film which celebrates life, changes and what it means to be home.