Conor O’Hara & Jamie Gamache
Season 3 Winners
Shaped by personal experiences, Connor O'Hara's journey is rooted in confronting the challenges of loss and emotional resilience during his formative years. The tragic loss of two friends when he was just 21 illuminated the lack of emotional tools within his friendship circle to navigate grief, each individual coping in disparate, often toxic ways – be it through aggression, isolation, or internalization. Motivated by this realization, Connor embarked on a creative odyssey, crafting a short film titled Infinite, featuring George McKay, to encapsulate these emotions. This poignant project laid the groundwork for the subsequent feature film, Kindling. Connor's aspiration was to reshape the narrative around young men, portraying them as vulnerable and emotionally expressive individuals. His vision aimed to challenge the pervasive norms of toxic masculinity by offering on-screen role models who redefine these tropes, fostering an environment where vulnerability is celebrated and offering a portrayal he wished he had encountered during his own coming-of-age.
Conor and I saw Mark [one of Kindling’s Producers] at the bar talking with who we now know to be Terry Loveday and his colleague Raj. We thought ‘Maybe we should just go and talk to them.’ We introduced ourselves, had a couple of drinks, showed them the short, and told them the story behind it. We connected with them on a human level and they were really taken by the idea. They and the rest of the team loved the short and really felt investors would see a lot of value in the subject matter and the film, and I think ultimately that’s what led them to suggest entering it into That Film Festival.
When industry professionals and film investors then voted at the festival for the film to go into production - and knowing that we were going to get the full-length feature financed after seven years – it was just an amazing feeling. It’s what you normally only hear or read about. But that was the start of a long process because Covid then happened which set things back - but it was a pinch me moment that this is really happening after so many years and look where we are now. It was amazing meeting the team and working with them.
- Jamie Gamache (Kindling Producer)
Kindling
Written & Directed By: Connor O’Hara
Starring; George Somner, Conrad Khan, Wilson Mbomio, Mia McKenna-Bruce
Drawing its inspiration from real-life events, Kindling is a poignant narrative that gracefully unfolds. The story revolves around a tight-knit group of young men, who, upon their return to their hometown, embark on a heartfelt mission to transform their dear friend Sid's final summer into a radiant celebration of life, friendship, and love.
Sid, portrayed with depth by George Somner of Sex Education fame, stands at the crossroads of mortality. Fueled by an innate desire to leave an enduring legacy, he channels his passions for astronomy and the cosmos into a beautiful idea – to orchestrate a summer of unity and create indelible memories. Sid entrusts each of his friends with a profound task: to find an object that symbolizes their unique connection to the keywords he has assigned to them – love, home, friends, family, and location.
Within this tender narrative, the stellar cast shines. George Somner's portrayal of Sid captures the complexities of facing one's own mortality with a poignancy that lingers long after the credits roll. Alongside him, Conrad Khan (County Lines), Wilson Mbomio (The Witcher), and Mia McKenna-Bruce (Persuasion) contribute rich and layered performances, each adding a unique hue to the vibrant tapestry of relationships in the story.
Notably, Kindling marks the impressive feature directorial debut of Connor O’Hara, who not only crafts a visually enchanting canvas but also infuses each scene with emotional resonance. O'Hara's storytelling prowess allows audiences to immerse themselves in the world of these characters, feeling the weight of their journeys and the significance of their connections.
Kindling is more than just a film; it's a testament to the power of shared experiences, enduring bonds, and the beauty of life's fleeting moments. As the narrative unfolds, it paints a poignant picture of youthful camaraderie, encapsulating the fragility and brilliance of existence. With its captivating storyline, exceptional cast, and the nuanced direction of Connor O'Hara, Kindling is set to be a cinematic masterpiece that resonates deeply with audiences, leaving an everlasting impression etched in the heart.
Kindling Reviews
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What a confident little film this is. Somner’s understated, observant performance as Sid is terrific.The film deserves points too for its insights into male friendship, showing that men can be sensitive and intimate with each other (there’s a lovely performance by Wilson Mbomio as Sid’s bestest friend Diggs). By not trying too hard to be heartstring-pulling it’s a film that leaves a lump in the throat.
— The Guardian
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The cast, writers and direction blend seamlessly in putting the rarely-seen, sensitive and vulnerable bond between male friendship under the microscope, especially in the face of immeasurable pain and the process of grief, both present and impending. A must-watch.
— Glamour
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This is a film that stresses the importance of cherishing our loved ones and never forgetting those who are, or have been, important to us. It feels like a deeply personal movie, and Connor O’Hara’s debut feature is certainly one that’s not easy to forget.
— Film Stories
