Limerick filmmakers to shoot climate action thriller ‘The Last Anchor’ this summer

Limerick Filmmakers Set to Shoot Climate Action Thriller ‘The Last Anchor’ This Summer.

Limerick filmmakers are gearing up to bring the urgent and compelling short film, ‘The Last Anchor’, written by award-winning Limerick actress Johanna O’Brien, to life

Limerick filmmakers are gearing up to bring an urgent and compelling short film to life. The film, The Last Anchor, is written by award-winning Limerick actress Johanna O’Brien.

It is a fast-paced climate action thriller set in a TV newsroom in a future Ireland. On the eve of the biggest storm Ireland has ever seen, we follow the story of an ambitious TV news anchor as she takes on the major task of single-handedly manning the news desk while also trying to talk her parents to safety over the phone.

The short film is written by Johanna O’Brien, directed by Paudie Baggot, and produced by Pete Moles—all award-winning Limerick creatives.

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The Last Anchor explores the potential consequences of climate change if meaningful action is not taken soon by governments and those in power. While highlighting the dangers of inaction, the film also delivers a message of hope—there is still time to make a difference.

The Last Anchor is being made as part of the prestigious Actor as Creator Scheme, supported by Bow Street Academy and Screen Ireland. This highly competitive initiative provides funding and mentorship to actors developing their own creative projects. Johanna O’Brien was one of the selected recipients after successfully pitching the concept for The Last Anchor, marking her debut as a writer for film.

Johanna and the team are currently seeking additional funding to bring the film to completion. To help make this vital story a reality, the team has launched a fundraising campaign. Donations of any size are most welcome and appreciated by the team.

Writer Johanna O’Brien, an award-winning actress and writer from Limerick. Johanna trained at Bow Street Academy in Dublin and has earned multiple Best Actress nominations, winning at the Hollywood Diversity Film Festival for her role in ‘Lambing’ and at the Shiver International Film Festival for her role in ‘All Alone Here’.

Some of her television credits include playing Apple TV+’s ‘Foundation’, ‘Krypton 2’, and Element Pictures’ feature film ‘Rosie’, directed by Paddy Breathnach. In addition to her work on screen, Johanna has an extensive background in theatre, having performed in numerous award-winning plays and at major theatre festivals, including the Dublin Tiger Fringe Festival, Toronto Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Limerick Fringe Festival.

Director Paudie Baggott is an award-winning Limerick-born filmmaker and graduate of the National Film School at IADT. Paudie’s work has screened at Oscar and BAFTA-affiliated film festivals, including the Galway Film Fleadh, Aesthetica, Bolton Film Festival, Waterford Film Festival, Emerging Director’s Awards, and The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. His latest film, ‘Peat’, a dark comic fantasy, was funded by Screen Ireland and premiered at Galway Film Fleadh 2024.

Producer Pete Moles is an award-winning producer based in Limerick City. Pete has produced multiple award winning short films, including ‘A Stone Place’ (2023), ‘First Date’ (2022), and ‘Imbas Forosnai’ (2021). ‘First Date’ is currently streaming on Disney+, while ‘Imbas Forosnai’ was recognized for Best Sound Mixing.

Beyond producing, Pete is the Artistic Director of Emerging Limerick Filmmakers, an organization dedicated to supporting young filmmakers and provides up-and-coming talent with the opportunity to develop and produce fully funded short films.

At its core, The Last Anchor is a story about resilience and the urgent need for climate action. Through a gripping, character-driven narrative, the film explores what could happen if we fail to act—while also reminding us that change is still possible.

With the support of film lovers, climate advocates, and the wider community, this project can become a powerful contribution to the conversation on climate change.

Johanna O’Brien said, “I wrote this film to channel my deep anger and frustration over the government’s blatant indifference and inaction in the face of the climate crisis. When I first had the idea for The Last Anchor, life-threatening storms felt like a distant threat. But as time has passed, the climate catastrophe depicted in the film has become alarmingly real. Storms like Storm Éowyn are becoming frighteningly more common. However, there is still time to take meaningful action to curb climate change—that hope is what inspired me to make this film.”

Producer, Pete Moles said, “When Johanna asked me to produce The Last Anchor, I was immediately drawn to its intelligent storytelling and thoughtful approach to important themes. The writing is sharp and engaging. It’s a truly special project, bringing together an incredible team of talented filmmakers. I’ve always been drawn to projects driven by passion and enthusiasm, and The Last Anchor is definitely one of them.”