Audi Dublin International Film Festival has announced that John Carney’s ‘Sing Street’ will open the 2016 Festival on 18th February.
The film is about a boy growing up in Dublin during the 1980s who escapes his strained family life by starting a band and moving to London and stars newcomer Ferdia Walsh-Peelo alongside Lucy Boynton, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Jack Reynor.
‘Sing Street’ was shot in locations in and around Dublin last Autumn and wrapped in late October with post-production taking place in Screen Scene. Louise Kiely was the Casting Director.
“Sing Street is possibly the most perfect film with which to open a Dublin festival,” said Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys. “A beautiful valentine to Dublin, John Carney’s nostalgic celebration of 80s music will cause a sensation. John wowed festival-goers in 2007, with Once winning the Audience Award, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to open the 2016 Audi Dublin International Film Festival.”
Director John Carney said: "I'm excited to have Sing Street premiere at the Festival. The film loosely charts my own experiences as a skinny kid in a pretty rough and tumble school in the mid 80s in Dublin. I invite any of the school bullies from back then (teachers included), to the screening, where I will publicly fight them."
The 2016 Audi International Film Festival takes place from 18th – 28th February. The full programme will be launched at the end of January. Season tickets are now available for the Festival, offering free entrance into all screenings, exclusive galas and after-show parties during the Festival, as well as a sneak preview of the 2016 programme with advance booking. Season tickets are currently available for purchase at the early-bird price of €175 (full price €200), until January 5th 2016.
Richard Molloy, Head of Marketing at Audi Ireland, said: “Sing Street will provide an incredible start to what is set to be a very special year for the Audi Dublin International Film Festival. Audi Ireland is honoured to partner with the world-renowned festival and we look forward to embarking on a new journey for the event in 2016, building on our shared passion for innovation and creativity.”
‘Sing Street’ will be released by Lionsgate UK in cinemas across Ireland on Friday 18th March.
The Dublin International Film Festival is sponsored by Audi, and funded by The Arts Council and The Irish Film Board.
