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Strong Selection of Irish Films Feature in ADIFF 2017 Line-Up

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Strong Selection of Irish Films Feature in ADIFF 2017 Line-Up

Posted: 18th January 2017

The ADIFF 2017 (Audi Dublin International Film Festival) line-up was released today, 18 January, and features a strong selection of Irish films alongside a host of international films from some of the world's most renowned film talent. Setting the agenda for the year in film, ADIFF launches its fifteenth iteration on 16 February and will run until 26 February in venues all across the city.

Speaking about the strong representation of Irish work in the ADIFF 2017 line-up, Gráinne Humphreys, Festival Director said that it is "an extraordinary testament to the current strength and depth of the Irish film industry."

Major Irish titles in this year's festival include Jim Sheridan's The Secret Scripture, adapted from Sebastian Barry's award-winning novel of the same name. The film will receive a Gala Irish Premiere at the festival in a ceremony which will also see internationally renowned actress, Vanessa Redgrave receiving the Volta Award-the festival's most prestigious honour. The film features a stellar international and Irish cast including Academy Award© nominee Rooney Mara, Academy Award© winner Vanessa Redgrave,  Eric Bana and Theo James alongside Irish actors Aidan Turner, Jack Reynor and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.

Irish director Aisling Walsh's film Maudie has been selected as ADIFF's Gala Opening Night film and the screening will also be the film's Irish premiere. Maudie, which is a biopic of folk artist Maud Lewis stars Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke.

Turlogh Kelly's documentary, The 4th Act, which presents the story of the €1bn regeneration of Ballymun through the eyes of the community itself also features as part of the Irish films in the 2017 programme, as well as Emer Reynold's documentary, The Farthest, which depicts NASA's Voyager Mission; celebrating the brilliant men and women behind these powerful machines.

Irish-Canadian co-production, Unless, directed by Alan Gilsenan follows Reta as her well-lived life begins to disappear before her very eyes, as actress Catherine Keener beautifully yet harrowingly displays a mother's anguish in her portrayal of Reta. Len Collin's Sanctuary, is a touching and funny love story about Larry and Sophie, two people with intellectual disabilities, who long to be together in a world that does everything to keep them apart.

Then fresh from its Sundance screening, Neasa Ní Chianáin's In Loco Parentis  will be ADIFF's new Centrepiece Gala and the festival will also host the world premiere of Juanita Wilson's Tomato Red, as well as Dennis Bartok's terrifying hospital horror, Nails. Lorcan Finnegan's eco-horror, Without Name, has also been added to the programme, marking Finnegan's debut feature-film. Irish short film, Second To None, will also feature in the ADIFF Shorts 1 category; a black comedy in stop motion about the world's second oldest man who learns that ambition can be a killer.

Rounding up a stellar festival at ADIFF's prestigious Closing Night Gala will be the Irish premiere of John Butler's Handsome Devil.

ADIFF is sponsored by Audi, the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board and a full line-up and info on times, venues and tickets can be found at www.diff.ie