Chris O’Dowd, Jane Fonda, Ciarán Hinds, John C. Reilly, and Tom Hollander Star in Terry George’s New Political Thriller ‘Ceasefire’ Focused on Northern Ireland’s Peace Process as Bankside Prepares for Cannes Market

Political Thriller “Ceasefire” Set to Begin Production in Ireland

Emmy winner Chris O’Dowd, Oscar winner Jane Fonda, and Oscar nominees Ciarán Hinds and John C. Reilly are set to star in the upcoming political thriller Ceasefire, which explores the Northern Ireland peace process. BAFTA winner Tom Hollander will also join the cast.

The film, directed and scripted by Oscar winner Terry George—known for Hotel Rwanda—is slated to begin shooting later this year in Ireland. Bankside Films will handle worldwide sales, introducing the project at the upcoming Cannes market.

Ceasefire is based on the true story of Niall O’Dowd, an Irish-American journalist characterized by producers as “the courageous journalist who gambles everything to broker a secret backchannel between the IRA and a wary Clinton administration.” As violence and political betrayal escalate, O’Dowd risks his life to secure a lasting ceasefire amidst deep-seated enmity.

O’Dowd, founder of the Irish Voice newspaper, played a pivotal role in Northern Ireland’s Good Friday peace agreement and subsequently formed connections with the Clinton family, serving on Hillary Clinton’s Finance Committee during her 2008 presidential campaign.

In the film, O’Dowd will portray Niall O’Dowd, while Fonda takes on the role of Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, a sister to John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy. Reilly will play Congressman Bruce Morrison, and Hinds will portray CEO Bill Flynn.

Originally intended as a television series, Ceasefire will be produced by Trevor Birney for Fine Point Films and Patrick O’Neill for Wildcard.

George emphasized the film’s importance, stating, “Ceasefire is about the fragile, dangerous, often invisible work required to end conflict. It’s about the belief that dialogue can triumph over violence. It’s a message and a story that is dramatic, moving, and vital. I am honoured to tell it.”

Birney and O’Neill remarked on the significance of the narrative, noting that the Northern Ireland conflict seemed intractable until the peace process unfolded. They expressed their excitement about the film’s production, underscoring the role individuals can play in instigating change.

Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films added that the team is thrilled to collaborate with George and the talented cast, highlighting the film’s timely relevance in addressing conflict resolution.