Kate, a jaded stand-up comedian enjoys relative success on the local circuit. Every night she runs through her cynical, self-deprecating set, concluding with backstage beers and gambling with her equally jaded male colleagues.

But when an unexpected cancer diagnosis requires her to undergo treatment, Kate encounters a diverse group of women, all at different stages of treatment and recovery.

Short synopsis (less than 120 words)

Kate, a jaded stand-up comedian enjoys relative success on the local circuit. Night after night she runs through her cynical, self-deprecating set, concluding with backstage beers and gambling with her equally jaded male colleagues.

But when an unexpected cancer diagnosis requires her to undergo treatment, Kate encounters a diverse group of women, all at different stages of treatment and recovery.

Based on the memoirs of stand-up comedian Anne Gildea, The Bright Side is both a sensitive and darkly humorous tale of solidarity between a small group of women from a cross-section of society. As each travels on their own personal journey with cancer, the unlikely group also form strong bonds, and support each other through good and bad times.

Festivals:

Cork International Film Festival 2020

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2021

Awards:

Winner - Audience Award, Cork International Film Festival 2020

Quotes:

★ ★ ★ ★ “… an inspiring, uplifting, and important story. … Only those with hearts of stone will be able to resist getting pulled along by The Bright Side’s current.” - Hilary White, The Sunday Independent

★ ★ ★ ★ “A lightness of touch from Meehan, honest and vulnerable performances from the cast and a backbone of truthfulness make The Bright Side a truly memorable watch.” - Sarah McIntyre, RTE.ie

Cast: John Magaro, Orion Lee, Toby Jones

 FILM INFO:

122 minutes, USA, 2019, 12A