Film drama looks at mental health and male masculinity

Slane actor Matthew O’Brien will appear on screens across the country tonight in his first leading role in a feature film.

He stars in ‘Soulsmith’ a comedy drama which will receive its Irish television premiere tonight (Friday 21st December) on RTÉ One at 11.55pm. The film, which was crowdfunded by director Kevin Henry, came to the attention of RTÉ after it won Best International Feature at the Austin Revolution Film Festival last year.
Matthew plays the lead role of Ed Smith, a Dublin based playwright who is struggling professionally after initial success in the Irish theatre world. When he receives word of a family bereavement he travels home to Mayo to attend the funeral and reconnect with family and friends. 
Soulsmith introduces us to an ensemble of characters that Ed meets on his journey. As the past is dredged up, Ed is forced to confront his present and to question the value of his work and the authenticity of his voice.
Kevin Henry remarked: "It’s wonderful for an Irish production that was totally grassroots funded to be achieving such recognition. We’ve been delighted with the film's reception to date. The comedy-drama touches on issues of mental health and masculinity in contemporary Ireland. These are issues that young men especially can relate to".