Move over Ocean’s Eleven-Dublin is about to get its own high-stakes, cross-continental caper! Cameras are set to roll on Chasing Millions, a punchy new heist comedy from director Stephen Burke, inspired by the jaw-dropping true story of the Northern Bank robbery-the largest bank heist in British and Irish history.
Set during the chaos of Christmas 2004 in Belfast, the film follows Diana, a gutsy Australian detective played by Madeleine Madden, who finds herself swept into the investigation of £26 million gone missing while on a family visit. She’s reluctantly teamed up with Crayford, a grizzled Northern Irish detective brought to life by Emmy-winner Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who).
Speaking about the film Director Stephen Burke said “This film marks my first exploration of post-conflict Northern Ireland through a primarily comedic lens. The aftermath of the Northern Bank robbery, with its many twists and unexpected turns, offers a perfect foundation for a dark, character-driven comedy.”
The real-life heist that inspired the film was a masterclass in criminal cunning: armed men held two bank employees’ families hostage, forcing the staff to help wheel crates of cash out the front door-disguised as rubbish-before vanishing into the night. The audacious crime stunned the nation, and to this day, much of the loot remains missing.
‘Chasing Millions’ promises to serve up this infamous tale with a comedic twist, blending post-conflict tension with dark laughs and clever schemes. With filming kicking off in Dublin and Dundalk this June, and a creative team backed by Screen Ireland and Screen Australia, this is one caper you won’t want to miss.
Keith Potter, Head of Feature Film at Screen Ireland adds that she’s very proud to support the film “This is a remarkable Irish story based on true events – and is led by a fantastic creative team, which includes Irish director Stephen Burke, producer Jane Doolan, and our Australian production partners. We’re looking forward to seeing it come to life and make an impact with audiences very soon.”