MATECRIME
Written and Directed by Petal Pilley
A Short film by Blue Teapot Theatre Company
MATECRIME (13 mins) premieres in 2026 Galway Film Fleadh Goin’ Out West Shorts programme, 9.45 am on Wednesday 8th July at Town Hall Theatre Galway.
WATCH THE TRAILER
A vulnerable young man enjoys his new found freedom. An unexpected encounter while shopping leads to an unravelling of his world.
In 2025, we were asked to produce an artistic response to the subject of ‘mate crime’ to raise awareness of the abuse and exploitation experienced by people with intellectual disabilities by perpetrators they considered to be friends.
MATECRIME was shot on location in Galway over five days in March 2026. The cast features the debut film performance of Cormac Crawford (Martin), together with IFTA Winning actor Dara Devaney in the lead roles, with the supporting cast of Midie Corcoran, John McHugh, Mary McHugh, Michael Hayes and Roisin Walsh.
Producer Hillary Kavanagh, Director of Photography Fionn Rogers, Production and Costume Designer Mags Linnane, Sound Design and Editor Jason Scott. Stills Photography: Martin Maguire Stills, Hillary Kavanagh.
“With extensive experience in the field of theatre and disability it is a harmful reality I have unfortunately encountered in the lives of vulnerable adults, some of whom have been collaborators and friends. Because of my experience working in this field I decided to both write and direct the film.” – Petal Pilley, Director MATECRIME.
MATECRIME film was produced by Blue Teapot and co-funded by Galway School of Law, University of Galway, Taighde Éireann Research Ireland, Policing and Community Safety Authority and Corlann.
RESEARCH
The subject matter was based on research project LIFT (Living Independently and Free from Targeted Abuse) led by Dr Charles O’Mahony, Associate Professor at University of Galway School of Law, specialising in disability and mental health law and policy.
Click above to view the LIFT Report
The term ‘mate crime’ originated from the UK, primarily through the work of disability advocacy groups whereby “mate” was used to describe this type of crime, with perpetrator’s posing as ‘fake friends’ to exploit vulnerable people.
Not every friend is on your side
Speaking about the research, Dr. Charles O’Mahony commented –
“Our research found that mate crime is a significant but often hidden and underreported issue, with many disabled people experiencing financial exploitation, emotional abuse, coercion, sexual violence, and social isolation. This research and film isn’t about creating fear. It is about empowering disabled people to recognise exploitation, value good friendships, understand their rights and have the confidence to set boundaries, seek support and stay safe in their communities.”
The research project was funded by University of Galway, Taighde Éireann Research Ireland, Policing & Community Safety Authority and Corlann.
