Derry filmmaker Desmond Lynch releases short film inspired by BBC drama Fleabag

County Derry writer and filmmaker, Desmond Lynch, has released a short film called “SHOWTIME”. The film is inspired by the tone and fourth wall breaking nature of the hit BBC comedy drama series, Fleabag.

Starring Wexford actress Áine Collier as well as Belfast comedian and TikToker Sean McConville, the story of SHOWTIME deals with a young woman returning from work late at night only to witness her neighbours home being raided by police. The dark comedy drama film deals with working class issues, crime, drug addiction as well as the youths’ anxiety over their future.

SHOWTIME, Writer and Director, Desmond Lynch said: “SHOWTIME follows a young woman named Camilla, who arrives home late at night from work. She witnesses her neighbours home being raided by the police. While some people would be shocked or horrified, Camilla is gleeful – she grabs a beer, stands and watches by her window as the drama unfolds.

The short film is influenced by Fleabag as well as films such as Trainspotting. It deals with issues like poverty, drug addiction, crime and how many young people feel they don’t have a future in a world with many pressing issues. 

Working with the likes of Áine and Sean, alongside a crew of fantastic talented people, was a great experience for me. I hope people enjoy watching the film just as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Derry writer and filmmaker Desmond Lynch

SHOWTIME has been screened at a variety of film festivals in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Including the BAFTA qualifying IndieCork festival as well as the Kerry International Film Festival. 

Lynch’s other short films, Goodnight Midnight (2024) and Trespass (2024) are on the film festival circuit as well. His recent short film “God’s Country” is expected to be completed by this summer.

He has also written and directed the dark fantasy audio drama miniseries The Witch and the Orchard (2022) as well as Death to Dorkau (2024).

SHOWTIME has completed its time on the film festival circuit and is now available online on YouTube for all to view. There will also be a special behind the scenes director’s audio commentary series in which the filmmaker talks about the filmmaking process, as well as a series of interviews with both cast and crew in regards to their experiences making the film.