TETHERED

SYNOPSIS:

Ireland, 1986. On the eve of the passage of a rare comet, a young woman called Aoibh cares for her brother Tadhg following their Mother’s death.

During visits to a lakeside nursing home, Aoibh bonds with her Grandmother, a wise storyteller whose fairy tales hold hidden truths. Aoibh’s haunting refrain of an ancient song sparks a memory in her Grandmother - reviving a poignant story that bridges two worlds.

Mystical forces converge with a coming-of-age tale that celebrates the inescapable power of storytelling - through the plight of two women struggling to overcome grief.

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

‘TETHERED’ is an Irish fantasy short film that intertwines live-action, animation, and modern dance to explore themes of folklore and family.

The script - co-written by Stephen T Lally and Alessia Galatini - was a finalist in the 2018 Film In Cork scheme. Initial production funding was raised through a successful Seed & Spark crowdfunding campaign.

The initial phase of filming for ‘TETHERED’ took place in London - a Dream Ballet performed by dancers Chrissy Brooke, Alexander Nuttall, and Andre Kamienski, and choreographed by James Berkery. The animated sequence was completed remotely during COVID by artist Michael Lomon. As restrictions eased - and with the support of the late Tova Borgnine - production for ‘TETHERED’ resumed in summer 2022. Produced by Cian O’Leary, the final phase was shot on location in Kerry and Dublin, starring acclaimed Irish actresses Úna Ní Bhriain and Maura Logue.

We were honoured to premiere ‘TETHERED’ at the Kerry International Film Festival in October 2023, a meaningful choice given the film’s significant shooting locations in the county.

SELECT SCREENINGS:

SELECT AWARDS:

Jury's Special Recognition Award at Ennis International Fantastic FilmFest | Best Actress at Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival | Best Music/Score at Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival | Best Actress at Accra Indie Filmfest 2024 | Best Fantasy Short Film at Montelupo Fiorentino International Independent Film Festival | Best Production Design at Ignite Film Festival | Best Sci-Fi Film at The 2025 Dam Short Film Festival

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The team behind ‘TETHERED’ comprised a diverse group of talented, multinational creatives dedicated to crafting a short film tribute to Irish mythology and 1980s fantasy cinema. ‘TETHERED’ tips its hat to visionary fantasy mavericks - Jim Henson and Steven Spielberg – but explores a rich world of Irish storytelling for audiences both young and old, forging a bold new path and blending its influences into a beautiful and unique narrative. Rooted in Ireland’s natural beauty and storytelling tradition, ‘TETHERED’ evokes Irish culture while addressing universal themes.

Within ‘TETHERED’, four strands of storytelling intersect: live-action drama sequences shot on location in Ireland (starring lead actresses Úna Ní Bhriain and Maura Logue), a haunting song at the heart of the film (written by the award-winning composer David Nicholas and Brit Award-nominated artist Beth Rowley), a vividly animated segment (created by Michael Lomon), and a climactic Dream Ballet sequence.

For the Dream Ballet filmed in London, hair, make-up, and prosthetic artist Tabitha Mei-Bo Lei designed extraordinary bespoke wigs and prosthetics for our dancers. The sequence was choreographed by Irish movement director James Berkery, with lead dancer Chrissy Brooke - winner of ITV’s ‘Dance Dance Dance’. Costume designer Wendy Olver - renowned for her work in film, TV, opera, and red-carpet events for clients like Elton John, Disney, and Tiffany & Co. - brought her special expertise to the project.

For more information on this short film project - or to request a screener of ‘TETHERED’ - please send a message to: stephen@stephentlally.com.

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TETHERED

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