The Cure is a compelling new 16-minute short film set and produced in County Cavan across four days in Feb 2026 at locations throughout the county.

Rooted in place, the film is a proudly local production engaging Cavan-based talent, crew, catering services, and accommodation providers wherever possible. The project has been put forward for Film Festival nationally.

About the Film

Inspired by Cavan’s rich folklore, The Cure explores the centuries-old tradition of healing cures a practice still alive in parts of the county and passed down through generations. Despite its deep roots in local culture, this tradition remains largely unknown outside a handful of midland counties. Starring Seamus O'Rourke and Fiona Maria Fitzpatick.

The film seeks to bring this unique aspect of Cavan’s heritage to wider audiences, celebrating the region’s cultural identity while contributing to a growing body of Irish screen work that reflects diverse regional stories.

At its core, The Cure is an engaging and original narrative blending suspense, humour, and emotional depth. Alongside its storytelling, the film explores the theme of addiction particularly the long-term effects of smoking through a medically informed and compassionate lens. Written by an Emergency Department doctor, the script draws on real-world experience to create a story that is thought-provoking without being didactic.

Creative Team

The film is written by Seán Connolly, a screenwriter from Butlersbridge, Co. Cavan. Seán is known for creating original, character-driven work, including The Gaeltacht, an upcoming television comedy developed with Screen Ireland and produced by Grand Pictures.

He has been selected for the prestigious Stowe Story Lab in Connemara and has written and directed several short films and a stage play during his time at Trinity College Dublin, where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. An early draft of The Cure was also shortlisted as a semi-finalist at the Kerry International Film Festival script competition.

Seán balances his creative practice with his work as an Emergency doctor, bringing a unique perspective to his storytelling.