MEET OUR CAST
"Acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that, you've got it made." - George Burns
A few personal words about our stars from the director
LUCY RUSSELL - BIRDIE
Click here for Lucy's IMBD page and filmography
"I was so happy that Lucy connected so well with our hero, BIRDIE and brought so much depth to her role.
Jeremy, our producer had worked with Lucy and sent her the script. From the remote read through, I knew that she would be a great fit for the part and I was so happy that Lucy wanted to uncover the many layers of Birdie's past and character.
Working with Lucy was a joy and knowing that she had faith in this relatively low budget short film was immensely rewarding. That she was still talking to me after several soakings in the unforgiving Irish Sea is a miracle."
JOHN RHYS-DAVIES - TEDDY
CLICK HERE for John's IMDB page and filmography
"If you check out John's IMDB page, it lists the best part of three hundred roles in a career that includes some of the most memorable roles in cinema history. So no pressure on the humble director then.
But one thing I know about John, is that he will always make his fellow actors and the crew feel at ease. The other thing I know is that he will always bring a wealth of energy and dynamics to a role. As Teddy, he brought more than that - there was menace, humour and charm.
As I wrote the script, John was always Teddy. An inspiration for an almost lovable rogue."
AMMAR HAJ AHMAD - HASHIM
CLICK HERE for Ammar's IMDB page and filmography
"It is difficult not to be nervous about writing dialogue for a character from a different culture and in a different language with all of its idioms and nuance. But in Ammar, I found not just the perfect actor to play Hashim, but someone with whom we could openly discuss fine-tuning both the role and dialogue.
Ammar was great for the part and, along with Lucy and John worked through some very challenging and physical moments.
It was a bonus that both of our visiting actors loved the Isle of Man. Of course it helped that we had wall to wall sunshine!
JOHN RHYS-DAVIES - TEDDY
NIGEL THIJS - FINLO KELSO
AMMAR HAJ AHMAD - HASHIM
"I first worked with Nigel many years ago on a short film and knew that the first chance I had to cast him, I would jump at it.
A talented Isle of Man based singer and actor, Nigel was always my first choice for Finlo Kelso - a perfect fit to work alongside John's character Teddy.
Now I have no excuse not to see him perform with his band."
