Private Project

Reavey Brothers

Based on the true story “Reavey Brothers” is set on the nights leading up to January 4th, 1976. The Reavey family, Anthony (Dylan Llewellyn), John-Martin (Niall Mcnamee), Brian (Kevin Nugent) and matriarch mother Sadie (Geraldine Alinden), live in a world torn by the atrocities of The Troubles and their reputation in the community is to work tirelessly towards anti violence. We follow youngest brother Anthony, an aspiring footballer and writer, as he struggles to avoid the mayhem of bitter hatred and violence intertwined within their lives, until that is threatened when conflict arrives on their doorstep.

This is a gripping family drama that explores religious divide, the importance of family and how events beyond their control result in heartbreak.

  • John Reavey
    Director
  • John Reavey
    Writer
  • Jordi Estapé
    Writer
  • Jamie Tarr
    Producer
  • Jordi Estapé
    Executive Producer
  • Dylan Llewellyn
    Key Cast
    "Anthony Reavey"
  • Niall McNamee
    Key Cast
    "John-Martin Reavey"
  • Kevin Nugent
    Key Cast
    "Brian Reavey"
  • Geraldine McAlinden
    Key Cast
    "Sadie Reavey"
  • Natasha Duursma
    Director Of Photography
  • Lloyd Edgar
    Production Designer
  • John Reavey
    Editor
  • Jordi Estapé
    Editor
  • Morgan Perry
    Editor
  • David Head
    Sound Designer
  • Cathal Murphy
    Original Music
  • Issac Faraz - Chandler
    Composer
  • Natalia Glow
    Costume Designer
  • Caitlin Wootton
    Casting Director
  • Neil Heaney
    Will Graham
  • Paddy Heaney
    Ally Graham
  • Cailum Carragher
    Soldier 1
  • Ciaran McKee
    Soldier 2
  • Brian Reavey
    Armed Man
  • AJ McGuinness
    Child 1
  • Kodi McGuinness
    Child 2
  • Donnacha Reavey
    Child 3
  • Daithi Reavey
    Child 4
  • Lorcan McPolin
    Child 5
  • Joseph ‘Jokey’ McTaggart
    Drunken Man
  • Colleen Reavey
    Innocent Woman
  • John Fitzsimons
    Radio Presenter
  • Oliver Hill
    Unit Production Manager
  • Sam Roffey
    First Assistant Director
  • Diara Vassallo Ndiaye
    Second Assistant Director
  • Matthew Craig
    Production Coordinator
  • Siona Kimbley Torley
    Costume Assistant
  • Adeline Geoghegan-Doughty
    Hair & Make-Up Artist
  • Emma Chalmers
    Art Department Assistant(s)
  • Maxwell Courtney-Lee
    Art Department Assistant(s)
  • Aoife Etherson
    Art Department Assistant(s)
  • Neil Courtney
    Props
  • Jim Feenan
    Vehicles
  • Adrian Fegan
    Vehicles
  • Declan McVerry
    Vehicles
  • Danny Mullen
    Low Loader
  • Morgan Perry
    DIT
  • Karol Cybulski
    Colourist
  • Lloyd Edgar
    Compositor
  • Bethany Kent
    Sound Recordist
  • Ollie Cipres
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Jack Francis
    2nd Assistant Camera
  • Ben Eeley
    Steadicam Operator
  • Sam Baker
    Gaffer
  • Nela Resler
    Spark(s)
  • John Allan
    Spark(s)
  • Rowanne Swain
    3rd Assistant Director
  • Nathan Magee
    Stills Photographer
  • Graeme Heatley
    Armourer
  • Donna Reavey
    Catering
  • Krizzah Policarpio
    Runner(s)
  • Dean Conway
    Runner(s)
  • James Hodgkinson
    Runner/Driver
  • Paul ‘PR’ Reavey
    Driver
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 4, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Ireland, United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Alexa Mini LF
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - John Reavey

A nephew of the Reavey brothers, the multi award-winning director will be crafting this piece together. Having also co-written the piece, John's relationship to the topic is undoubtably one which will be evident within.

Having completed work with the BFI at a young age and winning awards at local film festivals - Reavey took his first large step into the industry moving to London to work and study in film production. A neat eye for digital and social content, John began working with large online personalities including Caspar Lee, Joe Sugg and Georgia Toffolo.

It would be a year later when Reavey would produce his first documentary, “Why are there no openly gay footballers?”, commissioned by football organisation COPA90. This piece would go on to be featured across Sky TV, Trainline WiFi, along with many other platforms.

Other clients Reavey has worked with include Tommy Hilfiger, Stand Up To Cancer, Victoria Square and Matty Healy to name but a few.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

A story 45 years in the making, finally being told from a modern perspective. I've grown up hearing all about my uncles, and as I got older began dreaming about this story in more and more detail. I've spent a lifetime imagining how I thought the boys lived their lives. A story told completely from the blood of the family, in a modern approach.

Handling something this delicate has been a strongly heart warming and rewarding process.
During the research period it became clear to me just how much this film meant to not only the community, but to the entire generation which suffered in these times.

Northern Ireland is a small place, and Whitecross is even smaller. These stories are never given public recognition - and it's time to shine a light on them. There are so many stories which have not been told, so many cases which have not been given the respect they deserve. I want to pay tribute to not only the three Reavey Brothers, but everyone who has suffered from the troubles, to be remembered forever.

This piece is bold. This piece is raw. A story surrounded in controversy and 45 years in the making - will finally be told.