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Animal

A schoolboy on the edge plots revenge against his brutal school bully.

This dramatic short film stars Dane Whyte O’Hara (KIN, Darklands, A Runner) and Johnny Harkin (Brother, Rue and The Wake) in a brooding character portrait of a brutal school bully consumed by grief and his tumultuous relationship with his Mother, Claire J Loy (Vikings Valhalla, The Gate, Oisín)

Set in the unique backdrop of Drogheda Co Louth, one of Ireland's largest and most historic towns. The title represents the dominant hierarchy that is seen in the animal kingdom.

  • Cody Farren
    Director
    An Irish Goodbye (2022)
  • Cody Farren
    Writer
    An Irish Goodbye (2022)
  • Cody Farren
    Producer
    An Irish Goodbye (2022)
  • Dane Whyte'O Hara
    Key Cast
    "Mark"
    KIN (2023), Blue Lights (2023)
  • Cliare J Loy
    Key Cast
    "Ainè"
    Vikings Valhalla, The Gate, Oisín
  • Johnny Harkin
    Key Cast
    "Jake"
    Brother, Rue and The Wake
  • Alba Fernandez
    Director Of Photography
    Callus (Short Film), Stable (Short Film)
  • John James Clarke
    Editor
  • Danilo Zambrino
    Post Sound
  • Fionn O'Brien
    Composer
    An Irish Goodbye (2022)
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 21, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    14,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Ireland
  • Country of Filming:
    Ireland
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Galway Film Fleadh
    Galway
    Ireland
    July 14, 2023
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • kerry International Film Fest
    Killarney
    Ireland
    October 20, 2023
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Cody Farren

Cody Farren is a talented and accomplished writer, director, and producer hailing from Ireland, known for his bold and daring approach to filmmaking that often deals with dark and complex themes. His unique and striking aesthetic sensibility has earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.

In 2018, Cody graduated with a BA in Film and Television Production from Dundalk Institute of Technology, having already directed two short films and a music video. One of his final year projects was even nominated for an award at the prestigious Royal Television Society’s Student Awards in 2019.

Cody is a prolific writer and has authored numerous screenplays, both short and long-form. In 2021, he earned a first-class honours degree in screenwriting for film and television from the esteemed Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design + Technology.

Recently, Cody wrote, directed, and produced a short film titled “An Irish Goodbye” (2022), which has been selected by several notable film festivals such as New York Lift Off, Kerry International Film Festival, Indie Cork Film Festival (which is BAFTA qualifying), and Waterford International Film Festival. The film was also awarded the “Best In Louth” prize at the Louth International Film Festival.

As of January 2023, Cody has completed production on his second professional drama short film, "Animal," which is set to premiere at various domestic and international film festivals in 2023-2024.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Animal has been a project that has been close to my heart for the past eight years. I wrote the first draft during my second year at college in DKIT and have been striving to bring it to life ever since. My aim with Animal (2023) was to create a compelling and impactful story that would shed light on the harsh realities faced by survivors of abuse and mental health issues.

Through a powerful and emotional narrative, we set out to explore the complex and often devastating effects of abuse on both the victim and those around them. We also aimed to emphasise the urgent need for support, healing, and understanding.

Our talented cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring this story to life, fully immersing themselves in the challenging subject matter and delivering authentic and powerful performances that take the audience on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

We hope that this film will serve as a catalyst for important conversations about abuse and mental health, inspiring viewers to take action in support of those who are struggling. Above all, we aspire that our film will promote a deeper understanding of the human experience, fostering compassion, empathy, and healing in all who watch it.