TRESPASSES prems Nov 16 on CH4

TRESPASS prems Nov 16

TRESPASS prems Nov 16

The adaptation of Co Down author Louise Kennedy’s bestselling novel has arrived as one of 2025’s most anticipated television events, bringing together the filmmaking team behind BROOKLYN and AN EDUCATION to craft a forbidden romance set against the violent backdrop of Northern Ireland’s Troubles.

The four-part drama TRESPASSES, which completed filming in Belfast this past December, tells the story of Cushla, a young Catholic schoolteacher worn down by the monotony of her daily existence in a small town outside Belfast, who finds herself drawn into a dangerous affair with Michael, an older Protestant barrister she meets while working shifts at her family’s pub.

Lola Petticrew, who previously appeared in SAY NOTHING, brings intensity to the role of Cushla, while Tom Cullen of MY SON portrays her conflicted lover, with the cast rounded out by Barry Ward from BAD SISTERS and Lisa Dwyer Hogg of THE FALL. Gillian Anderson, serving as executive producer while also appearing onscreen as Cushla’s perpetually combative mother described as a “glorious wreck,” has helped shepherd this passion project to completion.

Screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan, earning her first lead writing credit after contributing to BAD SISTERS and RUN & JUMP, adapted Kennedy’s debut novel, which earned a Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisting, with the author herself praising both Keogan’s “ear-perfect, sexy script” and director Dawn Shadforth’s “gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision” for bringing an authentic version of her work to television.

Channel 4 describes the series as a forbidden love story unfolding amid the sectarian violence that defined the era, and Keogan promises viewers a narrative that manages to be political, cinematic, sensual, and moving while maintaining hope despite the heartbreak woven throughout. The production represents a deeply personal triumph for Kennedy, who expressed gratitude that exceptional care was taken to honor the world and characters she created, particularly the unforgettable inhabitants of Cushla and Michael’s Belfast.

TRESPASSES premieres Sunday night on Channel 4 at 9pm, offering audiences a richly textured portrait of desire and danger in a divided society.

🏆 RIVALS just scooped the International Emmy for Best Drama Series! 

The Disney+ hit starring Irish talents Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit brought home the gold for this deliciously scandalous 1980s romp through the world of wealthy media types.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

From THE COMMITMENTS to THE TUDORS to KIN, @mariadoylekennedy has built a career that defies categories.

In a brand new interview with The Irish Examiner, Maria opens up about the artists and art that shaped her creative journey—from her Dublin roots to international screens and stages.

Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.

...

🎭 From Shakespeare to a Beatle: Paul Mescal is doing the impossible!

Oscar-nominated Irish actor Paul Mescal is taking on TWO iconic roles that prove he's one of the most fearless actors working today.

Watch Paul's latest interview at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Kerry Condon's brief but powerful performance in TRAIN DREAMS is pitch perfect.

She inhabits her character with quiet competence, moving through a male-dominated world with both caution and grace. 

Watch now on @netflix!

...

🎬 HAMNET stars to receive Vanguard Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards!

A stunning meditation on love's fragility and art's power to transform suffering into transcendence. This is Irish talent at its absolute finest on the world stage.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Netflix just quietly dropped a crime thriller you've been sleeping on, and Brendan Gleeson's performance alone makes it mandatory viewing. 

MR MERCEDES, Stephen King's dark detective series that somehow flew under the radar, is finally streaming – and it's everything fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers have been craving.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Andrew Scott is about to steal another movie and we're absolutely here for it! 🔍

The trailer for WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY has dropped, and our beloved Irish actor is joining Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc for what looks like the most deliciously twisted instalment yet. 

Scott plays bestselling author Lee Ross, one of several suspects in a seemingly impossible murder that rocks a small town's religious community.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

From GLADIATOR II's arena to the quiet forests of Maine collecting folk songs on wax cylinders—Paul Mescal's latest role in THE HISTORY OF SOUND might be his most vulnerable yet.

Now on @amazonprime, the film follows Lionel, a shy musician from a Kentucky farm in the 1910s, who meets David White (Josh O'Connor) at the New England Conservatory. 

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

For more than two decades, Domhnall Gleeson has carved out one of the most diverse and compelling careers in contemporary cinema.

Watch Domhnall break down his career in his latest @esquire interview!

Link in bio ❤️

...

Adapted from Louise Kennedy's bestselling novel, TRESPASSES stars Gillian Anderson as executive producer and cast member.

Kennedy praises the "ear-perfect, sexy script" and "gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision" that brings her Women's Prize-shortlisted novel to life. 

Premieres Sunday 9pm on Channel 4, more at irishfilmtv.com.

...

THE IRIS AFFAIR is a high-stakes chase thriller that turns Italy into a deadly playground where genius meets danger. 

Created by LUTHER mastermind Neil Cross, this Sky Original delivers cinematic tension where trust is fatal and every move could be your last. Two minds. One secret. No escape.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

** NEW TRAILER ALERT **

Roadside Attractions has unveiled the first trailer for H IS FOR HAWK, and it's breathtaking. Brendan Gleeson appears as the father whose absence shapes everything, bringing his signature depth to a role that haunts the entire film.

Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.

...

🎬 HAMNET has officially overtaken Paul Thomas Anderson's ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER as the Oscar frontrunner!

Chloé Zhao's Shakespeare-inspired drama now leads with a 96.8% chance of nomination, fueled by its Telluride buzz and Toronto People's Choice win. 

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

The DERRY GIRLS creator is back with HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST — and it's the show Lisa McGee says she's always wanted to make. 🍀

Three childhood friends. One mysterious death. A wake that goes sideways. Eight episodes of chaos, secrets, and arguments about eyelash extensions.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Pierce Brosnan trades his 007 tuxedo for raw, devastating drama in CURTAIN CALL—arriving on digital November 10.

Starring opposite Jessica Lange, Brosnan continues his brilliant pivot from action hero to serious character actor, exploring the heartbreaking reality of dementia in the theatre world.

Watch trailer on irishfilmtv.com.

...

Irish Television

Belfast named “City of Film”

Belfast, City of Film

Belfast, City of Film

Belfast has emerged as a global leader in film and television production, earning prestigious recognition at the Global Production Awards during the Cannes Film Festival. In a remarkable double victory, Northern Ireland Screen received the Special Recognition Award while Belfast was crowned Best City of Film, beating fierce competition from major international hubs including New York City, Gold Coast, Sydney, and Zagreb.

The judges were particularly impressed by Belfast’s clear vision for leveraging film success to create broader economic growth. The city’s strategic approach encompasses not just attracting productions, but building lasting economic benefits through skills development, infrastructure investment, and tourism integration. This holistic view has positioned Belfast as more than just a filming location—it’s become a comprehensive creative hub.

The Global Production Awards, held during Cannes with over 270 industry executives in attendance, celebrate outstanding sustainable work and highlight the best global locations. Belfast’s victory in this international arena signals a shift in how the industry values comprehensive, sustainable approaches to film production.

As the global production landscape continues to evolve, Belfast’s success story offers a compelling blueprint for other cities seeking to develop their screen industries. By combining economic strategy with cultural preservation, environmental responsibility with commercial success, and local talent development with international appeal, Belfast has demonstrated that sustainable film production isn’t just possible—it’s profitable.

This recognition from Cannes affirms that the future of film production lies not just in spectacular locations or tax incentives, but in creating comprehensive ecosystems that support creative excellence, economic impact, and environmental responsibility. Belfast has shown the way forward, and the global film industry is taking notice.

🏆 RIVALS just scooped the International Emmy for Best Drama Series! 

The Disney+ hit starring Irish talents Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit brought home the gold for this deliciously scandalous 1980s romp through the world of wealthy media types.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

From THE COMMITMENTS to THE TUDORS to KIN, @mariadoylekennedy has built a career that defies categories.

In a brand new interview with The Irish Examiner, Maria opens up about the artists and art that shaped her creative journey—from her Dublin roots to international screens and stages.

Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.

...

🎭 From Shakespeare to a Beatle: Paul Mescal is doing the impossible!

Oscar-nominated Irish actor Paul Mescal is taking on TWO iconic roles that prove he's one of the most fearless actors working today.

Watch Paul's latest interview at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Kerry Condon's brief but powerful performance in TRAIN DREAMS is pitch perfect.

She inhabits her character with quiet competence, moving through a male-dominated world with both caution and grace. 

Watch now on @netflix!

...

🎬 HAMNET stars to receive Vanguard Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards!

A stunning meditation on love's fragility and art's power to transform suffering into transcendence. This is Irish talent at its absolute finest on the world stage.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Netflix just quietly dropped a crime thriller you've been sleeping on, and Brendan Gleeson's performance alone makes it mandatory viewing. 

MR MERCEDES, Stephen King's dark detective series that somehow flew under the radar, is finally streaming – and it's everything fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers have been craving.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Andrew Scott is about to steal another movie and we're absolutely here for it! 🔍

The trailer for WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY has dropped, and our beloved Irish actor is joining Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc for what looks like the most deliciously twisted instalment yet. 

Scott plays bestselling author Lee Ross, one of several suspects in a seemingly impossible murder that rocks a small town's religious community.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

From GLADIATOR II's arena to the quiet forests of Maine collecting folk songs on wax cylinders—Paul Mescal's latest role in THE HISTORY OF SOUND might be his most vulnerable yet.

Now on @amazonprime, the film follows Lionel, a shy musician from a Kentucky farm in the 1910s, who meets David White (Josh O'Connor) at the New England Conservatory. 

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

For more than two decades, Domhnall Gleeson has carved out one of the most diverse and compelling careers in contemporary cinema.

Watch Domhnall break down his career in his latest @esquire interview!

Link in bio ❤️

...

Adapted from Louise Kennedy's bestselling novel, TRESPASSES stars Gillian Anderson as executive producer and cast member.

Kennedy praises the "ear-perfect, sexy script" and "gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision" that brings her Women's Prize-shortlisted novel to life. 

Premieres Sunday 9pm on Channel 4, more at irishfilmtv.com.

...

THE IRIS AFFAIR is a high-stakes chase thriller that turns Italy into a deadly playground where genius meets danger. 

Created by LUTHER mastermind Neil Cross, this Sky Original delivers cinematic tension where trust is fatal and every move could be your last. Two minds. One secret. No escape.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

** NEW TRAILER ALERT **

Roadside Attractions has unveiled the first trailer for H IS FOR HAWK, and it's breathtaking. Brendan Gleeson appears as the father whose absence shapes everything, bringing his signature depth to a role that haunts the entire film.

Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.

...

🎬 HAMNET has officially overtaken Paul Thomas Anderson's ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER as the Oscar frontrunner!

Chloé Zhao's Shakespeare-inspired drama now leads with a 96.8% chance of nomination, fueled by its Telluride buzz and Toronto People's Choice win. 

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

The DERRY GIRLS creator is back with HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST — and it's the show Lisa McGee says she's always wanted to make. 🍀

Three childhood friends. One mysterious death. A wake that goes sideways. Eight episodes of chaos, secrets, and arguments about eyelash extensions.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Pierce Brosnan trades his 007 tuxedo for raw, devastating drama in CURTAIN CALL—arriving on digital November 10.

Starring opposite Jessica Lange, Brosnan continues his brilliant pivot from action hero to serious character actor, exploring the heartbreaking reality of dementia in the theatre world.

Watch trailer on irishfilmtv.com.

...

Irish Film

BELFAST now on Netflix

Belfast

Kenneth Branagh‘s award-wining film, BELFAST, can now be streamed on Netflix. A poignant coming-of-age film set in the turbulent backdrop of 1960s Northern Ireland, BELFAST follows the story of a young boy named Buddy as he navigates the complexities of family, love, and sectarian strife. Against the backdrop of escalating violence, Buddy’s childhood innocence is both a refuge and a vulnerability. Director Kenneth Branagh beautifully captures the essence of community, resilience, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity with incredible performances by Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe and Ciaran Hinds.

Watch Now

Ciaran Hinds on The Troubles

Ciaran Hinds

Oscar-nominated BELFAST actor Ciaran Hinds has said he was lucky to avoid the violence of the Troubles and admitted he could have got involved in a “bad way”. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s podcast Red Lines, the actor, who has starred in films such as THERE WILL BE BLOOD, MUNICH and the final HARRY POTTER entry and comes from a middle class Catholic background, said he was living in Belfast at the time when violence broke out. Born to a GP father and a mother who was a teacher, Hinds, who was involved in Irish dancing until he was 19, said when the Troubles broke out, he was aware of people joining the IRA.

Podcast Link

Irish Film

,

Branagh in A HAUNTING IN VENICE

Kenneth Branagh

Belfast-born Kenneth Branagh’s follow-up to MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS and DEATH ON THE NILE opens in cinemas September 15. A fresh trailer has been unveiled for A HAUNTING IN VENICE, revealing the eeriness that awaits audiences this fall and features Kenneth Branagh, Jamie Dornan and Jude Hill of BELFAST. The film is set in post-World War II Venice where Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a sĂ©ance. 

Watch Trailer

BELFAST stars to re-unite

Stars of 2021’s hit film BELFAST are reuniting on the big screen for an adaptation of Agatha Christie novel A HAUNTING IN VENICE. Kenneth Branagh is reprising his role as Hercule Poirot for his third outing, with Jamie Dornan and Jude Hill, both of whom were in Belfast, also joining the cast for the murder mystery. Branagh is also returning to the director’s chair, with other cast members including Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh and Kelly Reilly.

Read More

Irish Film

,

Laura Donnelly in WEREWOLF BY NIGHT

A Belfast-born actress who stars in the HBO science fiction drama THE NEVERS has revealed she would love to return to the city’s Lyric Theatre. Laura Donnelly was speaking ahead of the release of WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, a TV special based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and the first Marvel Halloween special on Disney+.

Learn More

Irish Television

,

Roisin Gallagher to star in THE LOVERS

A darkly comic romantic drama about a love-struck odd couple begins filming in Belfast at the end of this month. THE LOVERS, an original new drama for Sky, was written by David Ireland and stars local actors Roisin Gallagher and Conleth Hill, and South African-born musician and actor Johnny Flynn.

Read More

Irish Television