New film written by Waterford native in the works

A new independent film company, Elliot Productions, has launched in Cork, and its first feature film, A Silent Message, is written by Waterford playwright Martina Teeny Collender.

The drama explores rape through an intimate and emotionally grounded lens, and Martina’s writing has been described as "brave, compassionate and unflinching."

Martina is a queer, disabled, award-winning, published playwright, screenwriter, poet, and writer living and working in Waterford City.

With a background in theatre, she brings emotional precision and a deeply human touch to a story that feels urgent and timely.

“I believe deeply in the power of stories and in giving voice to those who have been silenced,” Martina said.

“That belief was the driving force behind the creation of A Silent Message. Through this work, I explore how authorities and society respond to survivors of rape, how they are heard, dismissed, believed, or doubted. At its heart, this story is about survival, justice, and the life-saving power of friendship. 

"It asks how the relationships we build can hold us together when everything else feels as though it is falling apart."

Founder of Elliot Productions, Richie O'Connell added, “I’ve always been drawn to the things people struggle to say out loud"

 “There are writers in Ireland with extraordinary voices who simply haven’t had the right doorway open for them. Elliot Productions exists to help open that door. Martina’s work is exactly why.”