An Irish feature film shot in Donegal is having its world premiere this week at the Cannes Film Festival.

God’s Creatures, starring Normal People star Paul Mescal and English actress Emily Watson, was filmed in coastal locations around south Donegal in Spring 2021. The story itself is set in Kerry.

Audiences will be seeing the film for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival Directors’ Fortnight section which will run until May 27.

God’s Creatures, from award-winning directors Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer, was filmed in locations including Teelin, Killybegs and Kilcar, with assistance from the Donegal Film Office.

The psychological drama is set in a rain-swept Irish fishing village where a woman’s lies to protect her son have a devastating impact on the community, her family, and herself.

Irish producer Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to premiere God’s Creatures at Directors’ Fortnight. It has been a joy to work with such a special and unique group of collaborators. Saela & Anna are visionary filmmakers who connected deeply and sensitively with Shane’s personal Irish set script. We’re also delighted to tell this special story with Emily, Paul, Aisling and all whose performances are both intimate and iconic.”

Reviews are already coming in praising the powerful Atlantic drama.

God’s Creatures features more familiar faces in the cast including Aisling Franciosi (The Fall), Declan Conlon (Calvary), Marion O’Dwyer (Love, Rosie) and Toni O’Rourke (Calm With Horses).

God’s Creatures is supported by A24, BBC Films, Screen Ireland, and the Western Region Audiovisual Producers Fund (WRAP Fund).