Complex and delicate coming-of-age drama An Cailín Ciúin to open Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival 2022
Posted: 25th January 2022
Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys today revealed an historic first for the festival with Irish language feature film An Cailín Ciúin to open the 20th anniversary edition of the Festival. The complex and delicate coming-of-age drama explores questions of family, neglect and loss through the eyes of its young protagonist. The full Festival programme will be announced on Wednesday 2nd February.
"Our Opening Night is the glorious An Cailín Ciúin one of the finest films of recent memory and a dazzling new talent in writer-director Colm Bairéad. This superb adaptation of Claire Keegan’s Foster is a spellbinding portrait of an Irish childhood, luminous photography and impeccable cast led by newcomer Catherine Clinch in the title role," said Gráinne Humphreys, Festival Director.
The achingly beautiful An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) is the feature debut from writer/director, Colm Bairéad. Based on the acclaimed story, Foster by Claire Keegan it will screen in Dublin fresh from its World Premiere at Berlin Film Festival. Set in 1981 in rural Ireland, it tells the story of a quiet, neglected girl sent away from her overcrowded, dysfunctional family to live with foster parents for the summer. She blossoms in their care, but in this house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth.
"We are truly honoured that An Cailín Ciúin has been selected as the opening film of this year's Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. The thought of launching what's sure to be an extra special in-person Virgin Media DIFF with the Irish premiere of our film is a real joy for us. The last few years have been an exciting time for Irish language film-making and we're humbled that the festival is giving a platform yet again to this new and exciting wave of Irish cinema."
Colm Bairéad, Writer-Director, An Cailín Ciúin
Niamh O’Driscoll, Head of Brand and Marketing at Virgin Media said "We’re extremely proud to be associated with Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Our on-going support to this prestigious event underlines our commitment to foster creativity in film production and television content as Ireland’s leading connected entertainment provider and commercial broadcasting company. Dublin will once again become a global showcase for the best films and talent."
Taking place from 23rd February to 6th March the 20th anniversary Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival will bring the best in world cinema to Dublin connecting audiences to global perspectives alongside a robust slate of new Irish films.
The full festival programme will be revealed at 3pm on Wednesday February 2nd. Currently also available from diff.ie the Festival Pass priced at €250 will give access to the Festival's regular cinema tickets as well as 20% discount on special presentations.
All Festival screenings and events will adhere to government guidelines and Covid safety regulations.
For more information, visit www.diff.ie