Author makes film of Richey for capital festival

Published on Tuesday 6 May 2008 22:06

IRVINE Welsh, the author of Trainspotting, has made a film about the Scottish former death row inmate Kenny Richey.

The short film centres on Richey's struggle to readapt to life since his release from a US jail in January.

Now the former inmate, who is currently unemployed, says he would like a job as an actor.

The film will be premiered at this summer's Edinburgh International Film Festival, which is officially launched today.

The picture, which is so far untitled, was filmed last month in Dalry, Edinburgh, where Richey lives.

Welsh and his film crew met the former prisoner at his mother's flat.

Richey is seen talking about his fight with depression since he was released from prison in January.

He was also rigged up to an audio device that recorded his heartbeat, which is used as the movie's soundtrack.

The pair are then seen leaving the flat and walking along the street, swigging from tins of lager.

They make their way to Richey's local pub, Dickens Lounge Bar, where they chat with regulars.

Richey said: "I enjoyed filming and wouldn't mind doing more in the future."