It Came from Connemara (2014)

This documentary tells the unique story behind Roger Corman's film studio in Connemara. When Corman arrived in Ireland, he brought with him an unrivalled career, which guaranteed him a place in cinema history. This was the man who launched the cinematic careers of Coppola, Scorsese, Nicholson and De Niro. The name 'Corman' meant low budget, but it also meant cult, and crucially, it meant fun. He was never concerned with awards or creating anything of aesthetic value. Instead, he churned out cheap exploitation flicks in the 50's, which quickly established Corman as a producer and director who gave the audience what they wanted. His Irish films were designed to do just that. By the 90's, Corman had set his sights on Ireland. His time making movies in Connemara would be marred by controversy as he managed to upset the unions and the tastes of cinephiles. But, those who worked for him adored the experience. Corman gave them an opportunity to learn the film industry and a chance to progress through the film making ranks. He helped to launch many production careers in Ireland and there are many who credit him with their success. The Corman Connemara Studios employed hundreds of people throughout its few years in production and released almost 20 feature films, all shot in Connemara by Irish crews with Irish actors. Yet, the story of the studios and the movies Corman made there has never been told. With unique access to Corman and his archive of Irish films, along with behind the scenes footage and stills, as well as interviews with many of the cast and crew who worked at Concorde Anois, this documentary tells the whole story of what came from Connemara during those five gloriously gruesome years.