AN UPCOMING biopic on Brian Boru will be the biggest film ever to be made in Ireland when cameras begin rolling next year.
The £70m (€80m) movie is poised to begin shooting in early 2014.
It has been hailed as a massive coup for the Department of Arts and the Irish film industry
The movie will be officially announced by Ireland’s Minister for Arts, Jimmy Denihan, in the coming weeks, according to the Sunday Independent.
Brian Boru will be written, produced and directed by Cork filmmaker Mark Mahon.
The story will centre around Brian Boru, whose armies defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf – but who was killed during the conflict.
Scenes for Brian Boru will be filmed at a number of high-profile locations in the country, including the Cliffs of Moher.
Mahon – a close friend of and former housemate of Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham - describes the Brian Boru biopic as a story about, "bravery and human spirit".
He added: "At the time, the country was being pillaged and destroyed, and it took one man with a vision – ultimately that's all it does take.
"It's a good comparison to what's happening today. And I believe if you look at our history we are a nation of people who will overcome.
"We have a couple of big names in mind for the lead but we do plan on using as much big Irish talent as possible for the main characters."
