Sharon Horgan backs Oscar-qualified Irish short film “Calf”

Sharon Horgan, celebrated writer and co-creator of Bad Sisters, Motherland, and Catastrophe, has added her star power to the Oscar-qualified live-action short Calf as an executive producer.

Written and directed by Jamie O’Rourke, the Irish short delves into the harrowing themes of domestic abuse. Set in a remote countryside where silence often surrounds the worst events, the story follows Cáit as she grapples with a haunting decision after a sinister farm accident. The film stars Isabelle Connolly and Kate Nic Chonaonaigh and was produced by Ronan Cassidy of Carbonated Comet for Virgin Media Television, in association with Screen Ireland.

The project secured funding through the Virgin Discovers film fund, a collaboration between Virgin Media and Screen Ireland. Other executive producers include Sinead Stimpfig and Daniel Lloyd for Virgin, as well as Andrew Byrne for Screen Ireland. Calf earned its place on the Oscars longlist after receiving accolades such as the International Danzantes award at the Huesca Film Festival and Best Short at this year’s Irish Film and Television Awards.

In a statement to Deadline, Horgan shared her admiration for the project, said, “Calf got under my skin and stayed with me for days. Jamie is a true, singular talent, and it’s a privilege to get to be part of the team around this brutal but beautiful piece of work.”

Horgan’s involvement with Calf comes amid a highly successful period in her career. She is currently starring in the second season of Apple TV’s Irish dark comedy Bad Sisters, which premiered in November. Her work on the first season garnered critical acclaim, including a Peabody Award, a BAFTA, two Emmy nominations, and two Writers Guild of America nods.

Rumors have also linked Horgan to the role of Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, further cementing her as one of the most sought-after creators in the industry. The Irish multi-hyphenate is also a co-founder of the production company Merman and is represented by WME, United Agents in the UK, and Nelson Davis.

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