Underground films
Ireland
Company Profile
Founded in 2007, Underground Films specialises in content that speaks to social issues, producing creative, engaging drama and documentary work for the international theatrical and television markets. The company is experienced in direct distribution and enjoys a reputation for spotting and supporting talent. Our content is recognized for its strong audience engagement.
We believe that great stories not only entertain but also have the power to confront and challenge how we look at the world.
Underground Films specialises in content that speaks to social issues, producing creative, engaging drama and documentary work for the international theatrical and television markets. The company is experienced in direct distribution and enjoys a reputation for spotting and supporting talent. Our content is recognized for its strong audience engagement. We believe that great stories not only entertain but also have the power to confront and challenge how we look at the world.
Rachel Lysaght is a creative film & TV producer dedicated to the sustainability of the industry. Founding Chair of Women in Film & Television in Ireland 2015-2017, Rachel also served on the board of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland 2017-2020. She is a council member at the Irish Film Institute, and lectures regularly. Rachel’s productions have been selected for many prestigious awards and festivals, including the Cinema for Peace Award, Grierson Awards, SXSW, Berlinale, Tribeca, IDFA and TIFF, winning over 50+ recognised industry awards. Rachel’s passion is producing engaging, entertaining work that speaks to social issues. She also loves running and SUP.
Rachel Lysaght
Company Highlights
Pure Grit 2021
Format: Documentary
Director: Kim Bartley
Screenplay: Kim Bartley
Cast: Savannah Martinez, Sharmaine Weed
Chronicling three years in the life of a young Native American bareback horse racer, her dogged determination, and the relationships that sustain her. Sharmaine dreams of becoming a champion. She is determined to ride and win. It's been a year since she's raced. A year since her sister was paralyzed in a catastrophic accident on the track. Sharmaine quit racing to care for her. In the remote Wyoming wilderness of the Wind River reservation, Sharmaine and her girlfriend Savannah begin to build a life for themselves. They hope for better. But the atmosphere at home soon turns toxic and the young lovers are forced to leave for the industrial Commerce City, Denver. The city brings freedom and opportunity, but also distractions and a strain on their fledgling relationship. When racing season starts up, Sharmaine and Savannah hit the road and put it all on the line. With a new horse from her city earnings, Sharmaine sees the potential for a fresh start. But life, like the race track, doesn't always go according to plan.
Winner of Best Irish Feature Documentary at Galway Film Fleadh in 2021
Winner of Best Editing Documentary Feature at Newport Beach Film Festival in 2021
Citizen Europe 2021
Format: Documentary
Director: Angeliki Aristomenopoulou, Andreas Apostolides.
Screenplay: Yuri Averof, Andreas Apostolidis, Isabelle Maradan, Angeliki Aristomenopoulou
A cinematic journey into the heart of Europe, to explore the most ambitious integration experiment of our times. The Erasmus programme offers its young participants life-changing experiences, but also brings them heart to heart with Europe’s troubles today: the refugee crisis, the rise of populism and their uncertain future. 'Citizen Europe' captures the lives of five Erasmus participants who leave their hometown for the very first time.