“Maya Butterfly” Begins Production: An Irish Opera-Inspired Psychological Drama

Fast-rising actress Jessica Reynolds (“Kneecap,” “A Woman of Substance”) and Oscar-nominated veteran Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years,” “Under the Sand”) have been cast as leads in the Irish psychological drama “Maya Butterfly.” The film, described as a blend of *Tár* and *Sound of Metal*, follows a rising soprano who secretly loses her hearing during the opening week of a radical opera production. Principal photography is now underway, with location shooting at the National Opera House in Wexford and in Belfast. Wildcard has secured U.K. and Irish distribution rights, and the picture is slated for theatrical release next year.

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“Maya Butterfly” marks the feature-directorial debut of award-winning Irish opera director Edwina Casey, a former Bingham Ray New Talent Award winner whose career spans international opera, film, and commercial directing. The production design is handled by Ruta Kiskyte, cinematography by Piers McGrail, costume design by Saffron Cullane, casting by Áine O’Sullivan, and line production by Michael Donnelly V. The film was selected for the Torino Film Lab and the Venice Gap-Financing Market. Funding comes from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, the Luxembourg Film Fund Co-Development Fund for Female and Non-Binary Filmmakers, and Yellowmoon, with additional production support from Conor Barry, Richard Bolger, Patrick O’Neil (Wildcard), Paul Kennedy (Village Films), and Bernard Michaux (SAMSA Film). Executive producers include Atilla Salih Yücer, Ronan Flynn, Gillian Cooper, and Greg Martin.

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Edwina Casey expressed gratitude for the collaboration, emphasizing the film’s sensory focus on a singer’s destructive process during a pivotal career week and noting continued support from Screen Ireland. Patrick O’Neil highlighted the project’s ambition and emotional scope, noting the team’s excitement to bring a unique cinematic experience to audiences.

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• “I am honoured to be realising this film with two immensely talented artists: Jessica Reynolds and Charlotte Rampling,” — Edwina Casey, irish opera director

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• “We are thrilled to be working with Edwina on ‘Maya Butterfly,'” — O’Neil

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