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Parting Us by filmmakers Albert Hooi and TJ O’Grady-Peyton could serve as a time capsule for Irish life during lockdown.
As Ireland slowly reopens the economy and moves toward Phase 3, the shock, fear and solitude of Phase 1 is beginning to feel like a lifetime ago.
During those first few weeks of lockdown we were getting to grips with a new way of living and working, while also trying to grasp the gravity of the crisis that was unfolding around us.
It was a profoundly weird time and it compelled many artists to document the experience through painting, photography and film.
Filmmakers Albert Hooi and TJ O’Grady-Peyton started making Parting Us in the first phase of lockdown. They wanted to capture a pivotal moment in history and create “a time capsule for one of the strangest times in our lives”.
The poignant short film, presented by District Magazine, features the unique perspectives of Irish people from every walk of life, including frontline workers, athletes, actors, small business owners and people dealing with extremely challenging circumstances.
It also features well-known personalities such as artist Maser and retired WBO Champion Andy Lee.
“We’re delighted to finally release Parting Us out into the world,” said the filmmakers upon its release this evening. “It’s been a serious labour of love made possible by the generosity of a whole range of contributors.
“We filmed the project during the first phase of Ireland’s lockdown, interviewing our cast via Zoom having never met many of them before.
“It was a welcome distraction from the news which at the time was quite overwhelming,” they added.
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