Painting the town green! – Irish Film Festival

By David Ivani

Following its two-year online format, due to the coronavirus restrictions, the Irish Film Festival finally returns to Sydney for its eighth consecutive year. 

The Irish not-for-profit event “brings us together to celebrate our culture and resilience,” says Dr Enda Murray, the Festival Director. The Irish Ambassador to Australia stated that “film as a medium, film as an art-form and film as entertainment is unique in its ability to bring us inside another culture.”

The highly anticipated program will be touring across five major Australian cities, scheduled to be hosted in Sydney from August 25-28, at The Chauvel Cinema, with 10 films to choose from. Visitors are invited to a Gala reception, attended by complimentary drinks and live music. 

For those unable to attend, viewers will have the option to select from 16 films, all streaming online, 10 of which will be screening at Palace Cinemas in Sydney. The films’ genres range from action, adventure, and comedy, to drama, documentary, and thriller. 

Additionally, audiences will have the benefit of gaining access to the exclusive behind-the-scenes to the festival’s films on display.

The Irish Film Festival is not to be missed, with several film debuts taking place, such as You Are Not My Mother, Redemption of a Rogue, and The Quiet Girl.

HOT PICKS

INTO THE WEST: Irish award-winning film that explores the adventurous escape of two young brothers, on a white stallion, embarking on a journey into the west of Ireland.

STEPS OF FREEDOM: Enticing documentary discovering the rich 2,000-year evolution of Irish dancing, as well as its surge in development, popularity, and worldwide recognition.

YOUNG PLATO: Inspiring look into the life of a determined school headmaster, seeking change and action by preaching philosophy to children, in order to tackle violence, poverty, and drug abuse.

August 25-28

The Chauvel, 249 Oxford St, Paddington

$19-$135+b.f.

Tickets and info: irishfilmfestival.com.au