Private Project

Behind the Curtain

Joe Conlan, the iconic ‘panto dame’ of the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, embarks on a journey to raise awareness about mens health after his emotional battle with prostate cancer.

  • Max Barry
    Director
  • Tiernan O'Rourke
    Director
  • Tiernan O'Rourke
    Cinematogaphy
  • Max Barry
    Editing
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 15, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Ireland
  • Country of Filming:
    Ireland, Spain
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Max Barry, Tiernan O'Rourke

Max Barry was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1998. He attended the National Film School in Dublin where he specialised in directing and producing. He has competed and won awards in a number of different international film festivals across the globe in countries such as Thailand, Italy, and the United States. He was nominated as an Emerging Director by the Irish Emerging Directors Awards 2022.

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Director Statement

Joe Conlan has been an inspiration to me ever since I attended his stage school in my late teens. So, when he approached me and asked how he could get his story out there, I knew this film had to be made. It was important to me that his emotional journey be told with authenticity and reverence. In the film, my aim was to capture Joe's essence and portray his unwavering determination to overcome the chapter of cancer in his life, while simultaneously raising over €11,000 for the Irish Cancer Society. I am hopeful that his narrative will have a profound impact on those who have experienced a similar journey.