Experiencing Interruptions?

Collision

After a hit and run leaves a local teacher dying on a quiet road in the west of Ireland, a closeted hurler and an openly
gay schoolmate go on the run together. As the town hunts for answers, the boys are forced to confront
their guilt, their bond, and a love neither was ready to face.

  • Michael Carolan
    Director
    Night Driver, They Can't Know About Me
  • Michael Carolan
    Writer
    Night Driver, They Can't Know About Me
  • Emer Durcan
    Producer
    Night Driver, They Can't Know About Me
  • Cuan Hosty - Blaney
    Key Cast
    "Cillian "
    House of Guinness, In the Dead of Winter
  • Cameron Brady
    Key Cast
    "James "
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, lgbt
  • Runtime:
    25 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 25, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    212,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Ireland
  • Country of Filming:
    Ireland
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Michael Carolan

Michael is a writer and director whose latest short film, Night Driver, was produced under the Virgin Media Discovers
scheme with Screen Ireland support and premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2025. It is now streaming on
Virgin Media Player. Night Driver is streaming on Disney Plus (instead of Virgin) and won Best Short Film (Ireland) at the Shark awards. He is currently developing his debut feature, The Night Impulse, with BMAN Pictures, 40-Foot Pictures,
and Bankside Entertainment. A graduate of the National Film School at IADT , Michael is known for crafting emotionally
resonant dramas that explore identity, secrecy, and connection.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

For me, Collision is a harrowing and emotionally charged first-love story - about two young
men who forge a bond in darkness and find hope. It’s a raw exploration of identity, masculinity,
and coming of age in Ireland today. Rooted in my own LGBTQ+ experience, I am committed to
telling an authentic, emotionally honest story. From the opening shot, I will craft a haunting
atmosphere, immersing viewers in the aftermath of a devastating car crash. I aim to take the
audience on a tension-filled and empathetic journey that will resonate and raise debate long
after the credits.
Stylistically, the film will feature a gritty, filmic texture, utilising shadows and stark lighting to
create a harsh, uncompromising environment. Visual separation will underscore Cillian and
James’s isolation, framing them as small figures trapped within bleak landscapes. Inside
James’s house, intense lighting will gradually soften into warm tones, while close-up camera
work will reveal their growing intimacy through subtle looks and expressions. T o achieve
authentic performances, I will begin early rehearsals, exploring Cillian and James’s backstory,
throughline, as well as intimacy exercises to foster a compelling dynamic and emotional arc.
This is my third collaboration with Emer and Brian Durcan as a creative team. Previously, I
directed They Can’t Know About Me (€15k short) and Night Driver (€48k broadcast drama),
demonstrating my ability to craft suspenseful, emotionally resonant drama. Having also
completed Directing for High-End TV with Diarmuid Goggins (Kin) this year, I am confident to
lead this Storyland project and excited about the creative progression it will offer in allowing
me to bring James and Cillian’s powerful story to life.