A new film shot in Laois is has won the Best Independent Irish Film at the 37th annual Galway Film Fleadh.

'Solitary' directed by Eamonn Murphy was shot in several Laois locations, with its director recently nominated for the Bingham Ray New Talent Award.

The movie was shot in parts of Errill, Donaghmore and Rathdowney, showcasing the beautiful surrounds of the area, and stars actors Gerry Herbert, Cailum Carragher and Cate Russell.

"We originally were hoping to film in Dublin or Kildare, and we met Laois man Michael Creagh who had auditioned for the film," director Eamonn Murphy told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: A promotional picture for Solitary, a new film from award winning Dublin director Eammon Murphy

"Micheal suggested filming in his house. I found it quite difficult to find locations, and gave Michael a call. He brought me on a tour around Rathdowney, Errill and Laois, and showed me ideal locations to film at. Micheal was very instrumental in that respect," he explained.

An entourage of Laois locals descended upon Galway to support the cast and crew in their nomination for Best Independent Irish Film. 

Also in attendance, was one furry legged friend.

"We had a dog in the film, the dog's name was boots, her real name is Moll," Mr Murphy said.

"She is Michael's dog, and I said that if we couldn't bring her in, we would stand outside with her. She was super to film with. To get her to do what we needed for filming, we had to put chicken nuggets in the actors' pockets," he laughed.

The award winning director praised Laois locals for their welcoming energy and consideration.

"Everyone have been so welcoming to the project, it's a weird conversation to have when you tell someone that we want to take over an area for two weeks or a few days," Mr Murphy said.

Pictured: Cast and crew of Solitary, including Moll the Collie

"A lot of times people don't understand. Film making is notoriously difficult, for us it was only 9-10 people working in the same place. It was difficult shooting over a summer period. you have to approach the team months in advance, asking them to keep this window free," he said.

"When we were in Laois, there was a whole lot of walking into shops and asking favours; 'would you be open to this idea, for a small fee," Mr Murphy laughed.

"It wouldn't have been much, we are an entirely independent film with no funding, we really relied on the kindness of people in the area, which came through. We saw their kindness come through when things might go wrong. If we started running behind schedule on a location, people were understanding," he explained.

The film shot for four weeks, with three weeks of filming in Rathdowney and Errill. For the final week, filming was split between Dublin and Kildare.

"I think the film was made really cheaply considering our ambition, it all came down to the cast, crew and belief in this project," Mr Murphy finished.

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