O'MALLEY - A USC MFA Thesis Film
Donation protected
One man's quest to free all of Ireland will impact his generations to come.
THE STORY
County Galway - April 11, 1923
Six soldiers of the Irish Republican Army were brutally executed in their fight to free all of Ireland from British rule. One of the brave soldiers was Seamus O'Malley, my great great uncle, and my namesake. During this film I would like to explore the choices that Seamus made and the legacy that he left behind. As he stood beside his comrades, he envisioned all 32 counties on the Irish isle as an independent republic. While some of the Irish were wiling to allow Great Britain to keep the 6 counties in the north (as Northern Ireland), he wasn't and so he continued on his quest to free all of his people. In the end, steadfast in his dedication to his people, he paid the ultimate price. He lived a life of honor, and with your support, I can honor him.
WHY THIS STORY?
O'Malley is a USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA Thesis film that will follow the last days of Seamus' life, leading up to his execution by firing squad.
This film is the culmination of my Film studies at USC, and it will showcase my writing and directing talents. With this film, I will be able to honor the family member whose name I carry, and I will be able to explore the choices he made, ones that have defined his entire lineage. In its own way, this story is one that could be told in many places across the world. It’s a story of what it means to believe in a cause greater than yourself, knowing what’s at stake. This is the story of what it means to decide that a cause for liberation can be subtle, playing out in the small decisions that any of us could make in any moment. While this may be the story of what liberty would have meant for my ancestor, I hope that it encourages others to tell their own stories of what liberty means in their own lives.
WHY DONATE?
With your help, we can transform modern Los Angeles into 1920s Ireland. From locations, to props, to costumes, to actors, we have much work to do. We have not waited to begin the work. We already have footage from Ireland: The Cliffs of Moher, Seamus' grave and tombstone, the very monument erected in his honor where Seamus was executed, the countryside. Your donations will help us bridge the gap between the footage from Ireland you see in the above video and the footage to come from Los Angeles. We prioritize quality in our work, precision in our process, and diligence in our execution. In order for the project to reach its fullest potential, the generosity of donors will take us a long way.
All donors will be given special credit in the film, and will receive a copy of the film following O'Malley's completion!
WHY NOW?
This project is deeply personal to me, as Seamus was the same age at the time of his death that I am now (26). There is no better time for me to make this film. This project will not be feasible without your support.
Thank you,
Seamus O'Malley Finnegan
Writer & Director of O’Malley
Meet the Crew
Seamus O'Malley Finnegan - Director
Raeshib Aggerwhil - Producer
Nate Jakus - Director of Photography
Ogechi Echebiri - Editor
Shaun Dikilato - Sound Designer
Leland Hall - Sound Recorder
Thank you for your time and support, any donation is appreciated.
- Seamus O'Malley Finnegan
THE STORY
County Galway - April 11, 1923
Six soldiers of the Irish Republican Army were brutally executed in their fight to free all of Ireland from British rule. One of the brave soldiers was Seamus O'Malley, my great great uncle, and my namesake. During this film I would like to explore the choices that Seamus made and the legacy that he left behind. As he stood beside his comrades, he envisioned all 32 counties on the Irish isle as an independent republic. While some of the Irish were wiling to allow Great Britain to keep the 6 counties in the north (as Northern Ireland), he wasn't and so he continued on his quest to free all of his people. In the end, steadfast in his dedication to his people, he paid the ultimate price. He lived a life of honor, and with your support, I can honor him.
WHY THIS STORY?
O'Malley is a USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA Thesis film that will follow the last days of Seamus' life, leading up to his execution by firing squad.
This film is the culmination of my Film studies at USC, and it will showcase my writing and directing talents. With this film, I will be able to honor the family member whose name I carry, and I will be able to explore the choices he made, ones that have defined his entire lineage. In its own way, this story is one that could be told in many places across the world. It’s a story of what it means to believe in a cause greater than yourself, knowing what’s at stake. This is the story of what it means to decide that a cause for liberation can be subtle, playing out in the small decisions that any of us could make in any moment. While this may be the story of what liberty would have meant for my ancestor, I hope that it encourages others to tell their own stories of what liberty means in their own lives.
WHY DONATE?
With your help, we can transform modern Los Angeles into 1920s Ireland. From locations, to props, to costumes, to actors, we have much work to do. We have not waited to begin the work. We already have footage from Ireland: The Cliffs of Moher, Seamus' grave and tombstone, the very monument erected in his honor where Seamus was executed, the countryside. Your donations will help us bridge the gap between the footage from Ireland you see in the above video and the footage to come from Los Angeles. We prioritize quality in our work, precision in our process, and diligence in our execution. In order for the project to reach its fullest potential, the generosity of donors will take us a long way.
All donors will be given special credit in the film, and will receive a copy of the film following O'Malley's completion!
WHY NOW?
This project is deeply personal to me, as Seamus was the same age at the time of his death that I am now (26). There is no better time for me to make this film. This project will not be feasible without your support.
Thank you,
Seamus O'Malley Finnegan
Writer & Director of O’Malley
Meet the Crew
Seamus O'Malley Finnegan - Director
Raeshib Aggerwhil - Producer
Nate Jakus - Director of Photography
Ogechi Echebiri - Editor
Shaun Dikilato - Sound Designer
Leland Hall - Sound Recorder
Thank you for your time and support, any donation is appreciated.
- Seamus O'Malley Finnegan
Organizer
Seamus O'Malley Finnegan
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA