Strong Representation of Irish Cinema at London and Rotterdam Film Festivals
Irish cinema is to be strongly represented at two of the UK’s top film festivals in the coming months following the selection of Room, Brooklyn, 11 Minutes and The Lobster for the BFI London Film Festival, and of History’s Future for International Film Festival Rotterdam
Room is the latest feature from director Lenny Abrahamson and was adapted by Emma Donoghue from her own novel. Told through the eyes of five-year-old-Jack (Jacob Tremblay), Room is a thrilling and emotional tale that celebrates the resilience and power of the human spirit. Also starring Brie Larson, Joan Allen and William H. Macy.
Directed by John Crowley (Intermission), Brooklyn was adapted by Nick Hornby from Colm Tóibín's novel. The film begins in 1950's rural Ireland, where opportunities are scarce, particularly for young women like Eilis Lacey. When given the opportunity to emigrate to New York, Eilis knows she must go, leaving behind her mother, sister and home for the first time. The film was acclaimed following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January and will be released in Irish cinemas on November 6th.
Irish-Polish co-production 11 Minutes was directed by Jerzy Skolimowski, and follows the same 11 minutes in the lives of several different characters representing aspects of modern society. What they all have in common is an enigmatic sighting of the elusive dark spot, seen in the sky earlier that day, and the tragic chain of events that will seal their fate. The film's cast includes Richard Dormer (Good Vibrations, Game of Thrones).
Yorgos Lanthimos' The Lobster had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it was the winner of the Jury Prize. A blackly funny love story set in a near future where finding love is a matter of life or death, The Lobster was filmed in Co. Kerry and stars Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly and Ben Whishaw. It will be released in Irish cinemas on October 16th.
The debut feature from renowned artist Fiona Tan, History’s Future fuses fiction and documentary into a visual essay charting an amnesiac’s odyssey into regaining memory via a Europe in turmoil. By the time his journey ends, MP has learned to survive, newly armed with an understanding of how we live today.
The BFI London Film Festival takes place from October 7-15, while the International Film Festival Rotterdam takes place from January 27th to February 7th 2016.