Exclusive Film Rights Acquisition

Producer Sara McFarlane, known for her work on "Red, White, and Blue," and filmmaker Maria Mcindoo have acquired the film rights to author Claire Keegan’s short story "So Late a Day." This acquisition marks an exciting collaboration between McFarlane and Mcindoo, who plan to adapt the work into a feature film.

The Duo’s Vision

Mcindoo will make her feature debut as a director with this project, while McFarlane will produce under her recently launched Essential Viewing banner. Keegan will serve as an executive producer, bringing her unique perspective to the adaptation. The duo’s collaboration is not new, as they previously worked together on the short film "A Love Letter to M," which premiered at the 2025 Indy Shorts International Film Festival.

Previous Collaborations

Their previous film, "A Love Letter to M," starred André Holland and Phoebe Tonkin. McFarlane expressed her enthusiasm for working with Mcindoo again, stating, "I am very happy to work with Maria to bring ‘So Late a Day’ to life. At a time when equality is treated as an imposition of the other, Claire’s work feels more relevant than ever. Maria has such a strong vision for this film, and she is one of the most collaborative directors I have ever worked with."

The Story

"So Late a Day" follows a calm, reflective Friday in Dublin, where a man named Cathal thinks about the life he would have shared with a woman named Sabine, had he made different decisions. The film is a profound meditation on memory, regret, and gender dynamics, exploring how a deep lack of generosity can irreversibly change the course of a life.

Director’s Statement

Mcindoo shared her thoughts on the project, saying, "I feel incredibly honored to bring Claire Keegan’s ‘So Late a Day’ to the screen. Collaborating with Sara on this project is an absolute pleasure, and through this adaptation, we are delving into the dissolution of the deep layers of Claire’s unforgettable narrative." Mcindoo will also adapt the script for the film.

The Team

Mcindoo’s directing credits include the short films "Etymology," "Young Widow," and "Lulu." Her writing work includes writing staff on Fox’s "Monarch" and development work with Expectation Entertainment and Wild Mercury. McFarlane’s producing credits include Nazrin Choudhury’s Oscar-nominated "Red, White, and Blue" and executive producing credits for "Dear Brooklyn," "The Accidental Escape Driver," "The Happiest Man in America," and the upcoming "Peach."

Author’s Background

Keegan’s previous works that have been adapted for the screen include "The Quiet Girl," which was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2023 Oscars, and "Small Things Like This," starring Cillian Murphy. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest contemporary Irish writers.

Future Plans

Further production and casting details will be announced in the coming months. McFarlane is represented by Liza Zurman at No-Nit and Sasha Levites at Frankfurt. Mcindoo is represented by Alex Rusher at Independent Talent in London. Keegan is represented by Felicity Blunt and Katie Battcock at Curtis Brown.