Logline
When his parents decide to foster a boy from a convent in Cappoquin, 10-year-old Conn vows to show Joseph his kingdom: Newtown, County Waterford.

Newtown Boys reached the final eight of the National Talent Academy’s Live Action Short Competition in Ireland. This moment spurred the team on and we knew, we had to get this film made.

Shot on 16mm film, the movie captures the rich textures of 1960s Ireland as it tells the poignant story of two young boys, Conn and Joseph, meeting for the first time as children—setting the stage for an unexpected yet profound bond.

We’re proud that this project is made possible through the generous support of our executive producers — a collective of visionary businesswomen from Ireland, Mexico, India, and the U.S. Their belief in the story underscores its universal importance and emotional resonance.

Synopsis
Set in 1960s Tramore, County Waterford, Newtown Boys is based on a true story of a young boy fostered out from a local Catholic-run convent who experiences warmth, adventure, and belonging with the Rafferty family during a single midterm break. Though brief, their kindness leaves an indelible mark on his life.

This film sheds light on a chapter of Irish history too often overlooked — the lives of children in state-run orphanages, industrial schools, and mother-and-baby homes. It explores the deep imprint left by these institutions, which operated under the cultural and political dominance of the Catholic Church. At its heart, Newtown Boys is about resilience, chosen family, and reclaiming stories that were nearly erased.