By Michelle Crean

The wonderful talent of the late Donal Courtney lives on through his beloved niece who has had her short film accepted for its US debut this October.

FILM: Niece of Killarney actor Donie Courtney, Jessica Courtney Leen, has had her film 'Not My Sister' accepted in the Newport Beach Film Festival in LA. Photo: Celeste Burdon

Jessica Courtney Leen's second short film 'Not My Sister' will feature at the prestigious Newport Beach Film Festival in California.

The film, shot on location in Cork, sheds a light on the burden of societal expectations and the pressure they have historically put on women. With a nod to the lasting trauma of mother and baby homes in Ireland and the taboo of sex in Irish society in culture, ‘Not My Sister’ captures the story of three women entangled in a web of societal shame and secretive survival.

"Donie was much more than an uncle to me," Jessica, who trained at The Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"He was my teacher and my connection to the arts, my continued professional mentor who taught me everything I know and practice, and a friend who called me every day just to check in. My work will always be because of him."

She added that as an emerging female writer and director she is very passionate about championing stories about women.

"‘Not My Sister’ captures the family triangle of two mothers and two daughters all suppressing their deepest wants and needs," Jessica, daughter of Kathryn and Colm Leen, said.

And actress Gemma Doorly, who played Sarah O'Leary in Fair City for many years, is an incredible actor whose work she says she admired for years.

"I'm lucky to work with her in many capacities, - we're both head drama tutors at the West End School of Arts [on New Street], where we have recently been appointed co-creative directors. We work really well together. She's a very inspiring and creative woman."

And the one woman show Jessica created under Donie's tutoring and mentorship 'Waiting for WiFi' will be playing for three nights this month at the Cork Arts Theatre on September 15, 16 and 17.

"He was a huge fan of the show, it will be a really bittersweet performance."