The Best Man (+ Discussion)The Best Man (+ Discussion)

Presented by Foyle Film Festival in partnership with Bloody Sunday Trust.

This screening will be introduced by writer-director Joe Mahon and followed by post-screening discussion with Joe Mahon, producer Denis Bradley and Peter McDonald, chaired by Hugh Odling Smee, Film Hub NI.

Content warning: Contains moderate sex references, strong language.

The bar flies prepare for the big day with betting, boozing and banter. But will best man Billy break more than his ma's heart before the wedding?

Screening as part of this year’s programme to celebrate the 100th birthday of Terence McDonald (1926–2001), his final film project (which he produced, shot and edited), made in collaboration with writer-director Joe Mahon, The Best Man stands as testament to a body of remarkably sophisticated work.

This award winning drama set in Derry reflects the ordinary ways drinking affects friendships and marriages. It stars Seamus Ball as hapless best man and confirmed bachelor Billy. Described by Alexander Walker as a ‘boyo who tries to drag his marrying pal back from the altar into the drinking circle's celibacy'. What will happen as Billy stirs up the marital troubles, misunderstandings and regrets that brew in the tension between the pull of the pub and the plea to come home?

Screening as part of this year’s programme to celebrate the 100th birthday of Terence McDonald (1926–2001), his final film project (which he produced, shot and edited), made in collaboration with writer-director Joe Mahon, The Best Man stands as testament to a body of remarkably sophisticated work.

The Best Man (1986)

Courtesy of Irish Film Archive, Peter Mc Donald and Northern Ireland Screen.

Joe Mahon | Northern Ireland | 1986 | 83 mins

A screening of Michael Barwise’s short film, That Sanity Be Kept, will accompany The Best Man. This short film uses footage from the archive of the late Vinny Cunningham.

That Sanity Be Kept

A night on the town in 1990s Derry descends into an abstract nightmare of drink, sweat and the inescapable feeling of being watched.

Michael Barwise | Northern Ireland | 2026 | 10 mins