A TRILLICK filmmaker has released a special new documentary, ‘63’, on the Irish rallying scene – and it has a special twist, as it will be focused on the rallying career of his late grandfather, Albert Grainger.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Riagáin Grainger, of ASTRL Pictures, said: “63 is a personal story for me, as it really deep-dives into my grandad’s life and career.

“It’s been making its way around the documentary festival circuit at the minute, with screenings all over the place, and we’re releasing it online to the public on March 12.

“I can’t wait for family and friends to watch it, especially; I feel like this is a nice memento for the Grainger family to have.”

Speaking on his grandfather and his legacy, Riagáin said: “Albert was 63 years old, and lived all his life in Trillick.

“He began his motorsport career in 1968 in a Triumph Herald in mostly local races, such as the Erne Safari, and the Omagh Scallen cup.

“Moving onto vehicles such a Cortina GT, Ford Mexico, Manta Opel and a Nova, he competed in international events such a the Circuit of Ireland, Donegal Rally, Manx international and even winning the championship in 1993.

“Retiring in the mid-2000s and focusing on his passion for vintage and classic cars, he was the proud owner of a 1938 Morris 8 Series E, taking it to all the Erne Vintage Car Club events with his brother, Noel Grainger, and brother-in-law, Tom Dolan.

“In total, he had five navigators: Malcolm Guy, Benny Grainger, Francis Greene, Sean Greene and Raymond Deazley.

“As seen in the documentary, everyone became a part of the Grainger clan, and there was a real sense of community, especially on a Saturday evening in his garage.”

Speaking about his decision to branch into documentary making, Riagáin said: “I’ve always had a love for documentaries.

“As a filmmaker, it’s the one area where nothing ever is stationary and is constantly moving; you can end up everywhere and anywhere with [this type of study].

“Going into 2021, we, at ASTRL, have expanded into sub-branches to help make more diverse and experimental content, both entitled ASTRL Business and ASTRL Documentary.

“For me, the stories and career of my grandad was an interesting area I wanted to explore somehow, and a documentary provided that opportunity to do so.

“Interviewing the navigators, family and friends made me reminisce about my childhood, and it was so nice to catch up with people I haven’t spoken to in years.”

Looking to the future, Riagáin said: “I love documentaries and we have some incredible upcoming projects that will tickle documentarian enthusiasts and nature lovers.

“However, my heart is always with fiction, and for me, it’s where the real sausage-making of the film is – you create your own story, characters, drama and you get to play in the coolest toy box in the world.

“We have some major things in place for later this year that I think will subvert some expectations about what we’re planning on doing next, certainly some curveballs and firsts.

“Our current adventure is into the world of ‘Mr. Baker’s Wonderful World’; a musical dramedy, inspired by Labyrinth, The Muppets, and Sesame Street.

“Our original music has been produced by Belfast band, ANNA’S Number, and Manchester’s SHADE, all in the vein of David Bowie, ABBA, and Oasis.

“Our lead roles are now cast, with Jack Murray Francis and Christine Maher Irvine.

“Our sets, puppets, and costumes are all ready to go, with filming beginning in the upcoming month.

“We would like to say a huge ‘thank-you’ to everyone who donated to our GoFundMe page, which made this all possible. We are crafting this story with the utmost love and care.”

ASTRL Pictures has also achieved some amazing accomplishments already this year, such as streaming with Amazon Prime, as Riagáin explained.

“Our partnership with Amazon Prime has enabled us to reach audiences all across the globe. Both [of our] previous productions are now available for all to see.

“’Rois Des Chevuax’ has been streamed [online for more than] a million minutes, and has held the number-one spot for ‘Most Streamed Independent Short’ for 14 days straight.

“This is something we cannot get over. It has been doing really well across the festival circuit, with 30-plus awards so far, in places such as Italy, France and the UK.

“Our biggest achievement yet [was in] being nominated for two categories in the upcoming Cannes Short Film Festival, and enabling us to qualify for the 2021 BAFTAS,” he said.