Experiencing Interruptions?

VIVA

Tensions rise and ideals clash as Ellie attends one last family dinner before her parents, Nicole and Justin, “opt out.”

  • Marie Clare Cushinan
    Director
    Changeling, Monkeys in the Garden
  • Marie Clare Cushinan
    Writer
    Changeling, Monkeys in the Garden
  • Róisín Browne
    Producer
  • Lalor Roddy
    Key Cast
    "Justin "
  • Kate O’Toole
    Key Cast
    "Nicole"
  • Sara Dylan
    Key Cast
    "Ellie"
  • Bosco Hogan
    Key Cast
    "Tony"
  • Richard Clements
    Key Cast
    "Jack"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 16, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    11,500 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    Ireland
  • Country of Filming:
    Ireland
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    17:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Galway Film Fleadh 2022
    Galway
    Ireland
    July 6, 2022
    World, Irish
  • Capital Irish Film Festival 2023
    Washington D.C
    United States
    March 5, 2023
    North American
  • Belfast Film Festival 2023
    Belfast
    November 5, 2023
Director Biography - Marie Clare Cushinan

Marie Clare is a Belfast based filmmaker who has been making self funded short films with her partner for years whilst working as a Script Supervisor in the Film & TV industry.
Her short film VIVA was developed through the Northern Ireland Screen New Shorts Focus scheme where it was selected to go into production, marking her first foray into funding.

Marie Clare’s previous short films ‘Monkeys in the Garden (2017)’ and ‘Changeling (2021)’ have played numerous festivals both local and international with the latter included in Fangoria magazines list of Irish New Wave Horror before finding its home on ALTER.

Marie Clare and her partner Ryan are currently in Development to write and direct an Irish Horror Feature film.

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Director Statement

“In an overpopulated future the elderly are encouraged to ‘opt out’ as a final heroic bid to save the planet while choosing death with dignity.”

This tagline was the very first seed of the idea which lived only in my notebook for a few years - then the pandemic hit. Suddenly the concept and themes became more relevant than ever as the virus spread quickly through many care homes resulting in significant loss of life. It felt as though ‘the economy’ and a return to normalcy took priority over the elderly and clinically vulnerable.

‘In a near future in which climate collapse is inevitable, overpopulation is unavoidable and housing unobtainable what would we be willing to accept from a government selling a catch-all solution. ‘

The idea got accepted into a development scheme with the final script being selected to go into production.

The film centres around a family dinner on the eve of Nicole and Justin’s ‘departure date’. They share photos, of their all-expenses paid year long travels, with their guests; daughter Ellie, her partner Jack and uncle Tony. They try to avoid the elephant in the room but Tony and Jack’s clashing ideals force the subject. It’s eventually decided that distraction is best and with the help of an offensive card game they enjoy their last hours together before Nicole and Justin end their lives.

The first element we locked down was the location, which was a wildcard from our EP (with his wealth of experience working in location department). The 70s decor presented us with retro futurism vibes which helped influence the overall design.

When casting I was worried that the subject matter might be controversial or divisive and may scare people off. Thankfully that was not the case and I was able to get a great ensemble who understood what I was going for. I knew I was on to something interesting when between scenes I would find the cast engaging in meaningful conversation around the concept of VIVA - as if it was real. A truly surreal moment for me.

The path from script to screen was not always easy - we had a small crew, small budget, big cast and covid regulations!

What started out as a speculative sci-fi developed into an intimate family drama with a love story at its core.