Orla McGreevy
27 January, 2025
What's On

Film Hub announces series of ‘King Frankie’ screenings across Northern Ireland

Cinemagoers across Northern Ireland can look forward to enjoying screenings of "King Frankie", dubbed "the Celtic Tiger film with a difference".

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It is part of Film Hub NI’s special Collective programme which brings local films to local places via its network of community cinemas. There's also a special screening at Queen’s Film Theatre.

The movie tells the redemption story of Frankie Burke, starring Peter Coonan (Love/Hate) as a kindly taxi driver living a quiet life who is forced to confront the ghosts of his past on the death of his father. It premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival to critical acclaim. It’s a gritty Irish drama, exploring complex themes of mental health, loss and guilt in a raw, yet sensitive, manner. 

"King Frankie" introduces Broughshane teenager Claudia Beatty as a young actor with Down’s Syndrome who enjoys a special bond with Frankie as he drives her about. Belfast actor Conor MacNeill (The Tourist, Industry, The Sixth Commandment, Derry Girls) also delivers a strong performance as the hotel manager given the run-around by Frankie.

Sara Gunn-Smith, Film Hub NI says: “The profile of Irish film has grown significantly over the past decade, so we are delighted to kick off the New Year with a special tour for this incredible debut film by Writer/Director Dermot Malone, who leads the young and creative Banjoman team who brought the story of King Frankie to screen on a micro budget.

Peter Coonan in King Frankie showing at 11 community cinemas across Northern Ireland as part of Film Hub NI's 2025 Collective Tour.
Peter Coonan in King Frankie showing at 11 community cinemas across Northern Ireland as part of Film Hub NI's 2025 Collective Tour. Credit: Banjoman

“The film charts the life of a man who enjoyed huge financial success during the Celtic Tiger years, but got badly burned. It’s a story of pain, grief and loss but also redemption, change and hope which we feel audiences will appreciate. 

"It fits perfectly with Film Hub’s aim to ensure that the widest selection of independent film is available to diverse audiences in Northern Ireland. We’re also delighted to welcome some of the film’s cast and crew for Q&As at our Film Hub member screenings in Newcastle, Bangor, Belfast and Ballymena.”

Eleven venues will be showing King Frankie as part of this Film Hub NI Collective Tour which starts at the Aurora Community Cinema, Rostrevor on Friday 31 January and ends at The Braid, Ballymena on Saturday 1 March with a special Mayoral reception for local actor Claudia Beatty.

Dermot Malone, Writer / Director, Banjoman says: “We are so happy to be able to work with Film Hub NI to bring King Frankie to audiences right across the north. I hope that people find a connection with Frankie and can take from his story that everyone deserves a second chance. I look forward to joining some of the screenings and hearing what audiences think.”. 

King Frankie introduces Northern Ireland teenager Claudia Beatty as a young actor with Down’s Syndrome who enjoys a special bond with Frankie as he drives her about in his taxi. Claudia is pictured with Peter during filming.
King Frankie introduces Northern Ireland teenager Claudia Beatty as a young actor with Down’s Syndrome who enjoys a special bond with Frankie as he drives her about in his taxi. Claudia is pictured with Peter during filming. Credit: Cheryl Beatty.

Filmed on location in Dublin and Meath, "King Frankie" is the debut film from Banjoman Productions, released by leading Irish distributor Wildcard. 

The full list of FHNI Collective Tour dates and venues is below. 

Venue                                                                         Date 

Aurora Community Cinema (Rostrevor)                   Friday 31st January

Newcastle Community Cinema                                Friday 31st January

Fermanagh Film Club                                                 Tuesday 4th February

The Court House (Bangor)                                         Wednesday 5th February

Portrush Film Theatre                                               Thursday 6th February

Nerve Centre (Derry)                                                 Thursday 6th February

Subterranean Community Cinema (Omagh)            Tuesday 18th February

Ormeau Community Cinema (Belfast)                     Wednesday 19th February

Down Arts Centre (Downpatrick)                             Thursday 20th February

Queen's Film Theatre (Belfast)                                  Friday 21st February

The Braid (Ballymena)                                               Saturday 1st March

For ticket information and timings, please visit: https://www.filmhubni.org/now-showing-tags/collective/

Film Hub NI is part of the BFI Film Audience Network supported through National Lottery funding, distributed by the British Film Institute.