The popular annual Irish Film Festival returns from 19 to 29 November with its biggest line-up ever. Moved online this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, cinephiles all over Australia will be screening the best new Irish cinema releases at a sofa near you.
The online festival program is packed with award-winning dramas, Irish-language features and comedies direct from Ireland, with no fewer than 11 Australian premieres. Several short films have also been carefully selected from the festival’s Irish Diaspora Short Film Competition, devoted solely to directors from the global Irish diaspora.
Festival highlights include horror-comedy, Extra Ordinary starring comedian Maeve Higgins as a driving instructor in Tullamore with supernatural powers; urban drama, Rialto, which won Best Actor/Writer gongs for powerhouse duo, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor and Mark O’Halloran at the IFTAs (Irish Film & TV Awards); and searing gangster thriller, Calm With Horses starring rising Hollywood star, Barry Keoghan.
Online Q&A’s with several of the film’s directors and some surprise guests will complement the impressive film line-up. The festival has also proudly partnered with Irish-run food & beverage providers to bring the taste of home to living rooms across Australia.
Dr Enda Murray, Director of the Irish Film Festival said, “We are delighted to be presenting these great Irish stories online to an Australian audience. It’s a tough time for the Irish diaspora, many of whom have missed trips home this year and I hope the Irish Film Festival can bring some Gaelic sunshine to Australia in these dark times!”
Tickets for the Short Film Program and two 50-minute documentaries are $10. All other single tickets are $15. Ticket numbers are limited. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
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