From stage to screen, Andrew Scott has emerged as one of the most globally acclaimed actors of his generation. Whether it’s his turn as the infamous “hot priest” in Fleabag, the titular character in Ripley or beside Paul Mescal in All of Us Strangers, Scott exudes seductive charm and exalted versatility in his craft. Now he’s extending his love of film-making by teaming up with Redbreast Irish Whiskey to spotlight new voices and stories with Redbreast Unhidden, his personal selection of short films from emerging talent that he feels the world needs to see right now.
“I’m delighted to be partnering with Redbreast on this campaign to encourage creativity and discovery worldwide,” says Scott. “It’s been really fun to be part of, especially given their initiative to encourage filmmakers of the future, whose voices need to be supported now more than ever.”
Speaking about the association, Kate McCarthy, global marketing manager for Redbreast, adds: “It was born from our desire to go beyond whiskey and create a cultural platform that reflects the heart of what Redbreast stands for – depth, character and craftsmanship. Redbreast is deeply rooted in Irish culture and heritage and we wanted a partner who shared that cultural connection in a meaningful way. Andrew has talent, integrity, passion for storytelling and craft, a deep appreciation of Ireland’s creative traditions, as well as a genuine care for emerging voices – all of which made him a natural fit for Redbreast.”
Having officially launched at South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival this spring, Redbreast Unhidden is coming to Ireland with a special screening in the Stella Cinema in Rathmines on June 11th at 6pm. Tickets can be found at eventbrite.com.
“Bringing Redbreast Unhidden home to Ireland and sharing it with a local audience at the Stella is a full-circle moment for us. The Stella is iconic and intimate – an ideal setting to showcase the power and beauty of these stories. We’re excited for Irish audiences to experience what we launched on a global stage.”
Redbreast Unhidden also ties in with the roll-out of Redbreast’s global campaign, Quite the Find – a campaign film which reunites Scott with All of Us Strangers cinematographer Jamie Ramsay. Beautifully directed by Margot Bowman and produced by Sharon Horgan’s production company Merman, it captures the spirit and thrill of discovery, just like that first sip of Redbreast Irish Whiskey, with elegance and warmth.
“At its heart, Quite the Find is a celebration of discovery – the journey we embark on, the curiosity that guides us and those rare moments when we stumble upon something that truly stops us in our tracks,” says McCarthy.
Reflecting on their partnership, McCarthy is effusive in her praise of Scott. “Working with him has been truly inspiring. He embodies everything this campaign stands for. His journey as an actor, from independent productions to international acclaim, aligns beautifully with our mission to spotlight and celebrate undiscovered talent.”
“Redbreast has always been a hidden gem of the whiskey world – bold, distinctive and crafted for those who seek out quality and depth. Similarly, Redbreast Unhidden champions original, bold filmmaking that resonates with tastemakers and those who value substance and nuance, celebrating the extraordinary in the overlooked.”
And in terms of where this journey may lead to next, McCarthy points out that this is “just the beginning”. “We’re committed to continuing this journey – supporting fresh voices, bold narratives, and meaningful cultural expression through film. Stay tuned for what’s next.”
Redbreast Unhidden will feature the following short films, as selected by Andrew Scott
Brief Somebodies (Andy Reid)
Joel is a film-maker and actor making a semi-autobiographical feature. Calvin is an actor hired to assault him on screen. During rehearsals, the two form a connection they’ll be forced to reconfigure once filming begins in this meta exploration of the spaces artists create between artificial and real – and what it’s like to briefly live within them.
Entre Tormentas (Fran Zayas)
After a hurricane ravaged his hometown, a grieving man breaks into an off-limits cemetery to rescue the lost remains of his brother in order to – alongside his mother – give him a proper burial.
Nervous Energy (Eve Liu)
On the cusp of success/failure, two unhinged women film-makers decide to break up with their boyfriends, and for once, make a bold decision with their lives.
I’m The Most Racist Person I Know (Leela Varghese)
When a romantic gesture towards a bartender backfires, Lali unexpectedly finds herself offered a pity date by another bartender, Ana. What starts as an awkward encounter turns into a genuine connection as they bond over shared experiences as women of colour. As they grow closer, Lali finds herself falling for Ana. But when the conversation takes an unexpected turn, Lali must confront her prejudices towards Ana – and herself.
One Day This Kid (Alexander Farah)
This short film depicts a deftly-composed array of small yet pivotal moments that depict Hamed, a first-generation Afghan-Canadian man, as he takes steps toward establishing an identity of his own while always conscious of his father’s shadow. The film is inspired by the late David Wojnarowicz’ prolific queer text Untitled (One Day This Kid…), a photo-collage from 1990 that shares the tragic story of a young boy growing up in a society that rejects him at all costs.
Sweetbriar (Danny Rivera)
A woman wakes up to a call from her son. They don’t see each other much any more. He is going to be in town and asks if he can spend the night at her house. She excitedly agrees, and begins preparing the home for her son’s arrival. It is the day in the life of a single mother, taking pride in her home. When her son finally arrives, he finds her asleep. In a kind of role reversal, he covers her in a blanket. With this small act, the son takes care of his mother.
Redbreast Unhidden takes place at the Stella Cinema in Rathmines on June 11th at 6pm. Tickets can be found at eventbrite.com
