Chris O’Dowd is set to play Niall O’Dowd, the Co Tipperary-born founder of the Irish Voice newspaper and IrishCentral, in Terry George’s new political thriller "Ceasefire."
The movie has been acquired by Bankside Films, who are handling worldwide sales and will be introducing the film to buyers in Cannes.
After moving to the US from Ireland, O'Dowd co-founded Irish America Magazine in 1985, and went on to found the Irish Voice newspaper in 1987 and IrishCentral in 2009.
He also acted as intermediary between Sinn Féin and the White House at a critical period in the Irish peace process.
The filmmakers said in a statement this week that the movie "is the true story of a courageous Irish-American journalist [O'Dowd] who gambles everything to broker a secret backchannel between the Irish Republican Army and a wary Clinton administration... But as bombings, political betrayal, and mistrust close in, he risks his life to secure a lasting ceasefire between the deadliest enemies."
Niall O'Dowd.
Aside from O'Dowd playing O'Dowd, the cast is stacked with major names: Jane Fonda will play Jean Kennedy Smith, Ciarán Hinds will portray businessman Bill Flynn, and John C Reilly is set to play Bruce Morrison. Tom Hollander has also joined the ensemble in a role that has not yet been confirmed.
Oscar winner Terry George, whose credits include "Hotel Rwanda," "In The Name Of The Father," "Some Mother’s Son," "The Promise," and "The Shore," wrote the screenplay and will direct the film.
In a statement, George said: “'Ceasefire' is about the fragile, dangerous, often invisible work required to end conflict. It’s about the belief that dialogue can triumph over violence. It’s a message and a story that is dramatic, moving, and vital. I am honored to tell it.”
The upcoming film is produced by Trevor Birney for Fine Point Films ("Saipan," "Kneecap," "No Stone Unturned") and Patrick O’Neill for Wildcard ("Saipan," Kneecap").
The duo said: “The war in Northern Ireland was an intractable conflict. After 25-years, any hope for an end to the violence had all but gone.
"The story behind the process that led to peace is thrilling and emotional and a critical contemporary reminder that individuals - not governments - can bring about change that can save the lives of innocents caught up in a war they didn’t want.
"Terry is one of Ireland’s greatest filmmakers and he has assembled an amazing cast for the film. We are beyond excited to be going into production on 'Ceasefire' later this year.”
Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films, who are handling worldwide sales and will be introducing the film to buyers in Cannes, added: “We are delighted to be working with Terry George and his incredible cast to bring this compelling story to audiences around the world.
"It’s a story which has incredible relevance in the world today whilst being a thrilling story of one man’s enormous personal endeavour to bring about peace in a world where conflict has become ingrained.”
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