Article by Tracey Villa
It’s been an exciting time for schoolboy Seán Óg Hasson, who has been basking in the spotlight after starring in the new film, ‘The Lightkeeper’.
Seán Óg, 8, received the opportunity of a lifetime, by chance, in a tale that is nothing short of incredible.
The Derry boy features in the film ‘The Lightkeeper’, starring Hollywood stars Dominic Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Sarah Bolger and Aidan Quinn.
The film premiered at the Dublin Film Festival two weeks ago.
When Seán Óg saw himself on the screen for the first time, he grabbed his proud mother Dearbhla’s hand, amazed.
He said: “Aw Mammy, I’m so happy!”
The Irish – Canadian film was directed by Vic Sarin, written by Ciaran Creagh and produced by Sepia films and Shinawil.
Filming commenced September 2023, in locations all around the west and north west of Ireland, such as Mayo, Culdaff and Malin Head.
IDBM’s description states: ‘The film tells the tale of Seamus, a lightkeeper whose elaborate rituals keep him at a distance from the outside world as he awaits the Each – Uisce to take him. His carefully constructed prison is blown open by three people who will change the course of his life.’
Seán Óg Hasson with Sarah Bolger and Dominic Cooper on the Red Carpet of the Dublin International Film Festival at the Lighthouse Cinema, Smithfield. Photo: Simon Lazewski
A September day in Culdaff in 2023, saw Seán Óg and his family make their way to the pier to jump. They stopped after spotting filming taking place.
Mum Dearbhla said: “We were just going down to the pier to jump, and they were doing all this filming and we were like- look at this, thinking this was class.
“We stopped and we just looked, we didn’t get out of the car. A year later, exactly a year later, we heard about this film.”
The twist of fate happened in 2024.
The film had already been made and wrapped up, however it was decided that the filmmakers wanted to add in flashbacks scenes of the lead character Seamus’s (Dominic Cooper) wife and son who had passed on.
Friends of Dearbhla’s from Culdaff, Susan and Jeff Miller, made her aware that production was looking for a specific child and that they thought Seán Óg would be perfect.
Susan stated: “They (production) were looking for a wee boy, around 4 to 6 with dark hair and brown eyes, and I just thought of you.
“They were really looking for somebody so young, with acting skills – Seán Óg was a wee bit older, but I think he just won them over completely, as he was just so naturally talented and had such a beautiful wee face- he was perfect.”
Seán Óg Hasson on set forThe Lightkeeper
This got the ball rolling, after sending off a photograph of Seán Óg, they then had a video call with production company Sepia.
Although other children with acting skills were being considered, it was decided that Seán Óg, who had no acting training, was perfect for the role and that they wanted to meet him.
Dearbhla describes the experience: “They sent us an email and they said ‘we really want to meet him’.
“I just brought him down with dinosaurs and he was sitting and he met them all. They gave him the wee costumes, the wee old costumes, they’re gorgeous, so he had to try on a few.”
Sepia said to Dearbhla after the meeting that he fit the part.
Dearbhla also said: “He had to do about five scenes from Culdaff and Malin head, and the bar up in Culdaff – McGuinnesses bar.”
“He went out in the boat then. I was a nervous wreck but he loved it. Then he did three days filming.”
Seán Óg Hasson behind the scenes of The Lightkeeper
At the Dublin International Film Festival, Seán Óg had his big moment on the red carpet alongside Sarah Bolger and Dominic Cooper.
Dominic complimented Seán Óg on his suit, saying “I love your style, your blazer, it’s just like mine.”
Proud mother Dearbhla explained: “When the film came out on Saturday night, he was in the first few minutes.
“He just looked absolutely gorgeous and I thought – oh my God my wain, I couldn’t believe it.”
Seán Óg Hasson on the Red Carpet of the Dublin International Film Festival at the Lighthouse Cinema, Smithfield. Photo: Simon Lazewski
Dearbhla said that this amazing experience has given Seán Óg the interest in pursuing drama – however not at the expense of his hurling.
The Na Magha Hurler is dedicated to his club. When his prospective drama class clashed with his hurling Seán Óg told his mum: “Mammy, I could never give up my hurling.”
Dearbhla said during filming: “It was brilliant, he just took to it, he just went in there, did his bits and in between – he had his hurl with him in between sets.”
Dearbhla summarised the proud parents’ experience by saying: “Me and Sean were buzzing, we just couldn’t believe it, it was such a lovely lovey experience, and I think it’s just because he might not have been in it because the film was already made. And it just so happened, he just happened to fit it.”
Local boy lands acting role after spotting Culdaff film set! was last modified: March 9th, 2026 by Contributor
Tags: