Northern Ireland's own version of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hits the screens later this month. But instead of the Wild West, the movie Mickybo and Me is set against the backdrop of the Troubles.
It follows the adventures of Jonjo and Mickybo, two youngsters from either side of the sectarian divide whose lives change when they see the iconic film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
Set in 1970 when Belfast resembled a latter-day Dodge City, the two pals re-enact scenes from the Hollywood blockbuster.
Getting into trouble, the pair flee the city towards the Border, recreating the most famous scene, where Butch and Sundance jump off that cliff.
Mickybo and Me is the debut feature of Belfast man Terry Loane, who also wrote the screenplay. Terry was determined to make the film after designing the world premiere production of Owen McCafferty's award-winning play Mojo Mickybo.
After securing the rights for the stage play from McCafferty, he sent his first draft to local producer Mark Huffam. "Mark is a very astute, internationally renowned producer. Being from Northern Ireland, I thought he might identify personally with the period and the storyline," said Terry.
"Luckily he shared my passion for the material and encouraged me to keep writing."
Filmed on location in Northern Ireland, the movie features Niall Wright (12) as Jonjo and John-Jo McNeill as Mickybo.
They were chosen after exhaustive auditions involving more than 900 boys, many with no acting experience. Terry said his relationship with the two young leads was vital in making the film a success.
"Working with Niall and John-Jo has always been exhilarating and rewarding," he said. "They integrated with the whole crew and worked incredibly hard. It was a great adventure for them, but each comes from quite a big family, so their feet were never allowed to leave the ground."
The film also features a strong cast of adult performers including Julie Walters, no stranger to a Belfast accent after her performance in Titanic Town.
Julie, who plays Mickybo's mother, said: "Mickybo and Me is shot from the children's point of view, so I'm Mickybo's ma as far as everybody's concerned and that's all you need to know really. She's got loads of troubles, but she's got loads of spirit too."
Irish actors Ciarán Hinds, Adrian Dunbar and Susan Lynch provide strong support, with Gina McKee, award- winning actress from Our Friends in the North, who plays Jonjo's mum.
The film is released throughout Ireland on March 25th. - (PA)