An Irish-Australian co-production, Chasing Millions is a black comedy heist film inspired by the Northern Bank robbery in Belfast. Written and directed by Stephen Burke, the film stars Emmy Award-winning actor Christopher Eccleston (The Leftovers, True Detective) alongside rising Australian star Madeleine Madden (Wheel of Time).
Chasing Millions will have its Australian Premiere at the Opening Night of the Irish Film Festival on October 8, followed by screenings across the country, including opening night of the Canberra season on November 6 to mark the 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Ireland and Australia. It will then have a national cinema release on November 19.
Chasing Millions is a character based, comedy drama heist film inspired by the £26 million pound robbery of the Northern Bank in Belfast, the biggest bank robbery in British and Irish history. The Northern Bank chain was owned by National Australia Bank. DIANA, an Australian police detective who is on family business in Belfast at the same time, seizes the opportunity to investigate the biggest crime of her career and prove herself to her bosses back home. Diana is teamed with CRAYFORD, a cynical, veteran Northern Irish police detective who does not want her help.
The robbery takes place during Christmas 2004. Northern Ireland has been at peace for six years, but old enmities, and mistrust remain. The police immediately believe the recently disbanded IRA are the only ones capable of pulling off such a sophisticated robbery. A rumour on everyone’s lips is that the money is intended as a retirement fund for them. But there is no proof, little evidence, and absolutely no sign of the stolen millions.
For Diana, finding the money becomes personal and a possible chance of promotion. But despite her best efforts, somehow the thieves always manage to stay one step ahead. Diana is increasingly frustrated as the case takes one more bizarre turn after another, including the thieves taunting the detectives with bundles of stolen cash. As Diana and Detective Crayford become increasingly isolated in this seemingly impossible investigation, they learn to grudgingly respect each other. When all seems lost, Diana comes up with an ingenious plan which could make the stolen millions worthless.