New Boy (2007)
An Irish short film about a young African boy's first day at school — a quiet, powerful story of trauma, belonging, and resilience.
New Boy - Movie Information
- Original Title: New Boy
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Steph Green
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 11m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 14, 2007 (Ireland - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Der Neue (DE), El niño nuevo (MX), Nowy uczen (PL), Le nouveau (FR)
- Production Companies: Zanzibar Films, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
- Production Countries: Ireland
New Boy - Plot
A young African boy with a haunting backstory starts school in Ireland and quickly finds out exactly what it means to be the new kid. Winner of Best Narrative Short at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival and nominated for an Oscar.
New Boy - Trailer
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New Boy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Steph Green
Main Cast
- Olutunji Ebun-Cole
- Simon O'Driscoll
- Fionn O'Shea
- Sinead Maguire
- Norma Sheahan
- Byron Kumbala
- Sade Oyewole
- Daniel Culleton
- Karl Donovan
- Oisin Pollock
Writers
- Roddy Doyle
- Steph Green
Producers
- Tamara Anghie
New Boy - FAQs
What is New Boy about?
New Boy follows Joseph, a young African boy carrying a traumatic past, as he navigates his very first day at a primary school in Ireland. The film explores themes of displacement, childhood resilience, racism, and the universal longing to belong, all told with warmth and quiet emotional power in just eleven minutes.
Did New Boy win any major awards?
New Boy had a remarkable awards run for a short film. It won Best Narrative Short at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film — a remarkable achievement that brought significant attention to director Steph Green and writer Roddy Doyle.
Where can you watch New Boy?
You can stream New Boy for free on Kanopy, a library-supported streaming service available through many public libraries and universities. It's a great way to catch this acclaimed short without any subscription cost — just check if your local library offers Kanopy access.
Is New Boy based on a true story or book?
New Boy is adapted from a short story of the same name by celebrated Irish author Roddy Doyle, who also co-wrote the screenplay with director Steph Green. Doyle's story was part of his collection exploring immigrant experiences in contemporary Ireland, lending the film a rich literary foundation.
Who plays Joseph in New Boy?
Joseph is played by Olutunji Ebun-Cole, who delivers a remarkably nuanced performance for such a young actor. The cast also includes Simon O'Driscoll, Fionn O'Shea, Sinead Maguire, and Norma Sheahan, all contributing to the film's grounded, emotionally authentic atmosphere.
How does New Boy handle trauma and childhood resilience?
The film weaves Joseph's violent past — glimpsed through brief, haunting flashbacks — into the mundane rhythms of a school day. Rather than dwelling on tragedy, it shows how children process and compartmentalize trauma, finding moments of connection and even humor amid pain. It's a delicate, deeply humane balancing act.
Who directed New Boy and what is her background?
New Boy was directed by Steph Green, an Irish filmmaker who made this short as an early career work. The film's Oscar nomination and Tribeca win helped launch her international profile. She has since gone on to direct episodes of acclaimed television series, establishing herself as a distinctive voice in screen storytelling.
How long is New Boy and where was it made?
New Boy runs just 11 minutes — short enough to watch on a lunch break, but rich enough to stay with you far longer. It was produced in Ireland by Zanzibar Films and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, and premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh in July 2007 before its international festival run.
More About New Boy
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