CALVARY – a darkly comic thriller that reunites writer-director John Michael McDonagh and actor Brendan Gleeson (Check out the brilliant trailer here) has been unveiled as the opening gala for the 2014 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival. The gala will take place at Dublin’s Savoy Cinema on Thursday, 13th February 2014.
Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys said the event will be a celebration of “the best Irish cinema”. It will be the Irish premiere of CALVARY, and John Michael McDonagh, Brendan Gleeson, Kelly Reilly and other members of the star-studded cast (including some of Ireland’s best-known actors) will be in attendance.
CALVARY stars Brendan Gleeson stars as Father James, a priest who has a week to put his affairs in order after being told he is marked for murder during a confession. Set against the stunning beauty of Ireland’s West Coast, the film also stars Kelly Reilly, Domhnall Gleeson, Chris O’Dowd, Dylan Moran and Aidan Gillen. Commenting further on the 2014 opening gala announcement, Gráinne Humphreys said:
“2014 is going to be a vintage year for Irish cinema with an incredible line-up of new features and documentaries from emerging and established names. As the 2014 opening night presentation, John Michael McDonagh’s spectacular ‘Calvary’ will act as both a clarion call for the festival and for Irish cinema.”
The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival will take place from 13th to 23rd February 2014, marking the twelfth year of the festival. It has become a key annual event in Dublin’s cultural life, growing a strong international reputation and attracting a range of film heavyweights to Ireland over the years. Over 130 films are screened each year, attracting an audience of 41,000.
Additional Programme Announcements:
In addition to unveiling the opening film today, Gráinne Humphreys announced details of the four films that will screen in the hugely popular weekend morning slots at the Savoy Cinema during the festival. These are:
· ‘No Limbs, No Limits’ – An intimate family portrait of young Corkwoman Joanne O’Riordan, who was born with no arms and legs as a result of the extremely rare ‘Total Amelia’ syndrome. The film – which was directed by O’Riordan’s brother, Steven – will screen at 11am on Saturday, 15th February.
· ‘Tracks’ – A beautifully composed and magnificently performed story about a young woman’s nine-month trek across the Australian desert. It will screen at 11am on Sunday, 16th February.
· ‘Borgman’ – An unsettling, blackly comic fable from veteran Dutch director Alex van Warmerdam, which will screen at 11am on Saturday, 22nd February.
· ‘Twenty Feet from Stardom’ – A moving and joyous behind-the-scenes documentary about the singers who provide backing vocals to the stars. It will screen at 11am on Sunday, 23rd February.
The funders and sponsors of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival include: Jameson Irish Whiskey, The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Bord Scannán na hÉireann / the Irish Film Board, American Airlines, Toyota, Cineworld, The Merrion Hotel, The Irish Times, RTÉ, Windmill Lane, Wells Cargo, Entertainment.ie, Film Base and The Church.
Season tickets, gift vouchers and tickets for the weekend morning slots at the Savoy Cinema are on sale now from www.jdiff.com
