 Once |
The Irish feature film ‘Once’, directed and written by John Carney (Bachelors Walk, On the Edge), UK-Irish documentary ‘The Future is Unwritten’ and Donal MacIntyre's documentary 'A Very British Gangster' have been selected for official competition at the prominent US Sundance Film Festival.
The annual Sundance Film Festival, which was originally founded by Robert Redford, is world-renowned as a showcase for the best in new independent cinema. This year the festival runs from January 18th-28th and will include 82 world premieres, among it’s 122 feature titles selected from 25 different countries. The festival received over 1,435 submissions from countries outside of the US.
John Carney’s ‘Once’ will feature in the World Cinema Competition category of the festival. Starring Glen Hansard (The Frames) and Marketa Irglova, the film is a modern-day musical set on the streets of Dublin telling the story of a busker and an immigrant, who fall in love over an eventful week, as they write, rehearse and record a number of songs.
“Selection for this world class festival signifies real recognition for one of Ireland’s most gifted film directors” said Simon Perry, Chief Executive, Irish Film Board.
“Given that the film was shot on a small budget we always knew that we would need the recognition by a major festival to give the film a life outside of Ireland, so we’re thrilled that the film will receive its US premiere at Sundance. We hope Irish audiences will enjoy the film when it is released in Ireland next year” said John Carney, Director.
Documentary feature ‘The Future is Unwritten’ is the latest from ‘Glastonbury’ director Julien Temple. Selected for the World Cinema Documentary strand of the festival, the film is a look at Joe Strummer and the punk-rock generation. ‘The Future is Unwritten’ is and co-produced by Irish producer Alan Moloney (Breakfast On Pluto, Intermission)
'A Very British Gangster' is directed by IFTA nominated Donal MacIntyre. The Extreme Production for TV3 & Five is a combined cut of McIntyre's 2 hour television specials 'Gangster' and 'A Gangster's Funeral' which take an upclose and undercover look at Manchester's Dominic Noonan, the head of one of Britain's best-known crime families. 'A Very British Gangster' also competes in the World Cinema Documentary strand of the festival.
Other Irish films which have screened in competition at Sundance include ‘Song for a Raggy Boy’ directed by Aisling Walsh in 2003 and Paul Greengrass’ ‘Bloody Sunday’, which scooped the Audience Award in 2002.
