Returning in its second year, The Irish Film Festival will be running a variety of films, providing film enthusiasts an opportunity to gorge on movies from the Irish culture. The festival will be running at the Chauvel Cinema, Paddington and will be presenting eight feature films including three shorts. The event will start on Thursday 7th of April until Sunday 10th of April, 2016.
The lineup of films will be jam-packed full of romance, action and some commemorating the centenary of the Easter Rising. The festival strives to implement the best films, showcasing Irish culture to film audiences. Ireland has been known for its history of struggle in social justice and this year’s festival will be an opportunity to uncover the rare and rich stories which capture the free spirit of the country.
Festival Director, Dr Enda Murray says “The films in the festival shine a light on contemporary Ireland. The big story in Ireland this year is the commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising which saw Ireland strike for its freedom from British colonial rule. It’s easy to see some parallels with Australia and the debate around the impact of a republic. Why was it such a big deal in Ireland? You’ll have to come and see the films!”
The films featured as part of Irish Film Festival include…
GLASSLAND (Thursday 7th of April)
Starring Australia’s own Toni Collette as an alcoholic mother and her addiction, leads up to the tragedy of her son in the world of human trafficking. The film has been praised with Collette being nominated for an Irish Film and Television Award with co-star Jack Reynor receiving the World Cinema Special Jury Prize for Acting at Sundance Film Festival.
1916: THE IRISH REBELLION (Friday 8th of April)
A film that examines the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin and the subsequent events that happened, leading up to the establishment of an Independent Irish State and the indirect breakup from the British Empire. This film is narrated by acclaimed actor Liam Neeson and takes a fresh look on the events that occurred in the significant Irish and International history.
AFTER ’16 (Friday 8th of April)
Continuing on the theme of Easter Rising, this event will be showcasing nine short films ranging from different styles of animation to live action, drama and documentaries which capture the voice of filmmakers on the events that happened in 1916.
SONG OF THE SEA (Saturday 9th of April)
One for the family, this film follows the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse, the last sea child. Both children embark on an adventure across the fading world of a legend and the magic they encounter when attempting to go back home by the sea.
PURSUIT (Saturday 9th of April)
This film provides a contemporary take on the Irish legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne. Encompassing aspects of power, class and love, this movie embarks on a thrilling journey, employing various elements which make it a great title.
YOU’RE UGLY TOO (Saturday 9th of April)
This film stars Game of Throne‘s Aidan Gillen and follows a touching story on modern family relationships. It was awarded Best Irish Film Feature at the 2015 Galway Film Fleadh.
LOST IN THE LIVING (Sunday 10th of April)
Surrounding a complicated love story set in Berlin, this title explores the theme of relationships. Director of the film, Robert Manson will also be introducing the film on opening night of the festival.
OLDER THAN IRELAND (SUNDAY 10th of April)
A touching documentary that looks at the lives of centenarians and the people who were born at the dawn of Irish Independence. It explores the social, political and technological change they’ve experienced in their lives.
To compliment the program, the Irish Film Festival will also be showcasing three short film titles: @Home, Follow the Rainbow to Ireland and Ballsy.
For more information on the Irish Film Festival, check out the info below!
When: Thursday 07 – Sunday 10 April, 2016
Where: Chauvel Cinema, 249 Oxford street, Paddington
Tickets: Book at 02 9361 5398 or www.irishfilmfestival.com.au
$30* Opening Night (includes Opening Night Gala Reception)
$20* Full Price
$15* Concession (excludes Opening Night)
* Transaction fee applies ($1.30).
SCREENINGS
Thursday 07 April
7:30pm Opening Night Gala Reception + 9.00pm Glassland
Friday 08 April
6:30pm 1916: The Irish Rebellion
8:45pm After ‘16
Saturday 09 April
2:00pm Song of the Sea
6:30pm You’re Ugly Too
8:45pm Pursuit
10:00pm Festival Party @ the Gaelic Club, Surry Hills.
The Irish Film Festival will party late into the night on Saturday night with a midnight performance of his new show The Man from Moogaga by Irish comedian and musician Aindrias de Staic (The Hardy Bucks, The Jig Gig) – direct from a sold out run in Dublin.
Sunday 10 April
4:00pm Older than Ireland
6:30pm Lost in The Living
Stay up to date with the Irish Film Festival
Website: www.irishfilmfestival.com.au
Facebook: Irish Film Festival Australia
Twitter: @irishfilmfestau
Instagram: @irishfilmfestau
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