The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival is back this year with a bang, from 23 February to 6 March. For its 20th year, the festival has lots to offer visitors, with a jam-packed programme of fantastic cinema. Grab your popcorn and get ready to dive in!
With an exciting 12-day lineup, audiences are in for a treat. This year, we’re especially excited to see so much Irish talent on the programme, with Colm Bairéad’s An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) kicking it all off. Adapted from Claire Keegan’s acclaimed story Foster, the highly anticipated film tells a coming of age story. Nine-year-old Cáit comes from a dysfunctional family and is sent to live with foster parents for the summer.
The Sounds of Ireland
Another great Irish contribution is Myles O’Reilly’s Dark Horse on the Wind. This year, the filmmaker releases his latest documentary, telling the story of Irish folk singer and songwriter Liam Weldon. The film looks at Weldon’s life and music, which focused heavily on the Irish Travelling Community and reflected a strong awareness of poverty, disadvantage and exploitation.
Dónal Ó Céilleachair’s documentary Continuing Traditions marries the musical styles of Ireland and India together through two of their greatest composers. The documentary looks at the works of acclaimed Indian classical musician Ustad Wajahat Khan and renowned Irish musician Peadar Ó Riada.
Painting a Picture of Dublin
Dublin gets its fair share of screen-time at this year’s festival, too. In Alan Gilsenan’s film-poem Ghosts of Baggotonia, we get a real look into the culture of Dublin City – exploring Baggot Street and its surrounding areas. In North Circular, Luke McManus takes us on a journey of the legendary artery that links some of Dublin’s most beloved places.
Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys said: “We are all thrilled to celebrate our 20th anniversary year
as a living, breathing cinematic experience. I am particularly delighted to premiere the superb line
up of new Irish films and show these new works alongside their international counterparts.”
This is just a taster of the Irish gems you’ll find at this year’s festival, among many other fantastic international films. For more information and to book tickets, visit Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival.