It's the culmination of a year-long negotiation and support process by Donegal County Council's Film Commission, who successfully wooed the film's production team.

'A Shine of Rainbows', which will be shot on location in Inishowen and Letterkenny, is directed by Emmy award winning Indian director Vic Sarin (Partition, Cold Comfort).

Following a round of auditions in Carndonagh and Letterkenny last month, a number of local people have secured speaking parts in the film, including Sharon Simpkins from Greencastle and Laura Doherty from Letterkenny. Fifty local children have also been cast as extras.

The film is produced by Sepia Films, Canada and Octagon Film, Ireland. John Bell, Jack Gleeson and Tara Scully aslo co-star.

The story is based Lillian Beckwith's novel of the same name, which tells how a lonely orphan's life is transformed by an extraordinary woman who teaches him to conquer grief and discover the magic in nature and himself.

The Canadian / Irish co-production was adapted for the screen by Vic Sarin, Catherine Spear and Dennis Foon and produced by Tina Pehme (Sepia Films), Kim Roberts and James Flynn (Octagon). Production design is by Tom McCullagh (Closing the Ring, Mickybo and Me) with costume design by Susan Scott (Boy Eats Girl). The film is cast by John Hubbard of Hubbard Casting.

Donegal County Council's film commission spokesperson Aideen Doherty explained that this is a wonderful opportunity for Inishowen, Letterkenny and the entire North West region to raise the profile of the area not only as a film location but also as a tourist destination. The film itself will bring significant direct revenue into the area which will be particularly valuable for local accommodation and other service providers during the shoulder tourist season. Ms Doherty said that the Film Commission at Donegal County Council have been providing support and local knowledge to the production team over the past year as part of a competitive location selection process.

The film's producer Tina Pehme said that the breathtaking scenery and the overwhelming support and enthusiasm for the film by the local community meant that bringing the film here was an easy decision to make.