Irish Eye on Hollywood: The Dunning Man Adaptation Hits the Festival Circuit

Writer Kevin Fortuna’s collection of stories The Dunning Man was heaped with praise when it was released a few years back.

“The mostly Irish American characters… should know better by now,” Parade magazine said. “That they don’t… is what makes them so compelling and all too real.”

The title story of the collection has now been turned into a feature film, set in the gritty but moving landscape of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The film revolves around Connor Ryan, down on his luck and coming out of a bad relationship, returning to A.C., where he owns several buildings. Money troubles compel him to team up with some shady characters. The story is a personal one for Fortuna, who spent many summers in the city growing up. Fittingly, the film was featured at the recent Atlantic City Film Festival and recently had its New York premiere at the Harlem Film Festival. For now, The Dunning Man – which has already won four “Best Feature” festival awards – is still on the festival circuit, though Fortuna is hoping a theatrical distribution deal will come through soon. Look for The Dunning Man at the Art of Brooklyn film fest in June. ♦