Filmmaker Ed Burns has drawn on personal loss and a newfound passion for golf to create his latest film, “Finnegan’s Foursome,” a project described by Burns as one of the most personal of his career. The movie, which made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, marries themes of family, grief, and reconciliation against the backdrop of golf.

The inspiration for the film stemmed from the death of Burns’ mother, Molly, who passed away from COVID-19 during the pandemic. After her cremation in Florida, Burns and his siblings traveled to various significant locations around New York to scatter her ashes, including their childhood home in Valley Stream, their former apartment in Woodside, and their mother’s church in the South Bronx. The experience, tinged with both sorrow and unexpected moments of humor, planted the seed for the narrative that would become “Finnegan’s Foursome.”

Burns, who initially did not play golf, took up the sport following his mother’s death as a means to connect with his father, an avid golfer. Within a year, he says, he became deeply engrossed in the game. This personal journey helped shape the film’s storyline, which centers on a family dealing with the sudden death of the father during a round of golf at an annual competition called the Finnegan’s Cup. The plot follows the characters as they travel to Ireland to scatter the father’s ashes, fulfilling his last wishes.

The film features Burns himself alongside his real-life son Brian Muller, his brother Brian d’Arcy James, and niece Erica Hernandez. Burns drew from family stories and personal experiences to craft a story he describes as autobiographical in parts. He emphasized his intention to make a golf film relatable to “mid-handicappers,” reflecting the experiences of the majority of golf enthusiasts rather than professional players. For Burns, the game’s significance lies not only in competition but also in the bonding and reflective moments it facilitates.

Burns also highlighted a spiritual element to golf, referencing his cousin Sharon’s connection to her late father through playing courses he once frequented. He sees this as part of the game’s unique ability to bridge past and present relationships.

Known for his earlier work, including the independent success “The Brothers McMullen” and his role in “Saving Private Ryan,” Burns views “Finnegan’s Foursome” as a deeply personal project that explores themes of family legacy, loss, and healing. Set for public release via streaming on June 19, the film offers a blend of humor and melancholy designed to resonate with viewers familiar with both the sport and the complexities of family dynamics.