A street performer arrives in a dreary suburb and discovers an unlikely kinship with a young person.

Inspired by the science-fiction writer Ray Bradbury’s own story of how he became a writer, this surreal coming-of-age film blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, past and present.

Veteran theatre director Dan Colley brings his strikingly visual sensibility to his debut film about the ways that outsiders find each other at the margins of everyday life.

The screening will be followed by a short Panel Discussion including members of the creative team.

Produced by Samson Films funded by Creative Media Europe and Kildare County Council Shortgrass. The Painted Man’s performances devised as part of Dan Colley’s residence in Riverbank Arts Centre.

Filmed on location in Kildare.

Official Selections
Galway Film Fleadh, 2024
Fastnet Film Festival, 2024
Strandhill Film Festival, 2024
Belfast Film Festival, 2024
Westival Arts Festival, 2024

Awards
Shortlist “Best Arthouse” at Fastnet Film Festival, 2024
Winner “Best Experimental Film” Simply Shorts, Brisbane, 2025

Cast
Raymond Keane
Meddinah Gabrijela Rahaman

Team
Written and Directed by Dan Colley
Producer Eamon Hughes
Executive Producer David Collins
Director of Photography Colm Hogan
Costume Designer Saileóg O’Halloran
Editor Kyle Stuart
Composer Alma Kelliher
Production Designer Jenny Owens
Hair & Make Up Design Jennifer Bowman
Production Manager Thomas Purdy
1st Assistant Director Claire Cassidy
Offline Post Production Facility Motherland
Online Post Production Facility Raygun
Online Editor Michael Dowling
Colourist Leandro Arouca
Sound Design & Mix Andy Kirwan