Screening in front of an audience for the first time in Ireland, Oscar shortlisted Irish film ‘Viva’ received a standing ovation at the Irish Film & Television Academy’s Members special Preview Screening at the Light House Cinema on Saturday, January 9th. The film (which is entirely in Spanish) which was selected by IFTA and submitted as Ireland’s entry for the Foreign Language Oscar, has already had a positive impact on American Academy voters across the short-listing of foreign films from around the world and is now down to the final nine films in consideration for the coveted title of 2016 Foreign Language Oscar. The final five will be announced on Thursday January 14th with the Oscar Nominations.
The capacity crowd at the IFTA screening was a mix of leading Irish film industry professionals including directors such as Jim Sheridan, Aisling Walsh, Neasa Hardiman, actors such as Moe Dunford, Pat Shortt, Gerard McSorley, producers such as David Collins, Redmond Morris, Bill Hughes, and industry representatives such as Irish Film Board CEO James Hickey and IFTA CEO Áine Moriarty.
Opening the Academy event Moriarty told the audience that they were in for a real treat and described the movie as “a heart-warming tender story beautifully crafted on screen” and paid homage to the talented Irish team behind Viva, Paddy Breathnach, Mark O’Halloran, Rob Walpole, Rebecca O’Flanagan and the HOD’s including DoP Cathal Watters, editor Stephen O’Connell, Production Designer Paki Smith (all in attendance) as well as composer Stephen Rennicks.
Producer Rob Walpole gave the audience a brief and fun insight into the background on the making of ‘Viva’ before writer Mark O’Halloran introduced the film to the audience.
Reacting to the film, Jim Sheridan said, “For me it was the most poetic film I've seen in years. Liberating.”
Other members of the audience took to Twitter: Una Mullaly of the Irish Times said “Went to a screening of VIVA this morn. It is an absolute stunner of a thing. So moving, sweaty, funny, beautiful, and most of all, tender.”
David McWilliams the Irish economist said “Just at Viva, gorgeous story, visually bril'. Fab trannies belting out Latina classics, what's not to like?”.”
Michael West, Irish playwright said “VIVA lives up to its title. A heartfelt and life-affirming Punch & Judy (Garland) show. Bravo Mark O’Halloran and Paddy Breathnach”.
, ‘Viva’ tells the story of Jesus, an eighteen year old Cuban, who is lost and struggling to realize his true identity. Unsure of himself or his future, he works at a local Havana drag club where he entertains dreams of becoming a performer.
The film is directed by Paddy Breathnach (‘I Went Down’), and produced by Rebecca O’Flanagan and Rob Walpole of Treasure Films (‘The Stag’) as well as Cathleen Dore and Nelson Navarro of Island Films. ‘Viva’ was written by Mark O’Halloran (‘Garage’, ‘Adam and Paul’). Oscar winning actor Benicio Del Toro is on board as Executive Producer and the film also has support from Irish Film Board, Windmill Lane Pictures and RTÉ.
The Oscar announcements take place on Thursday, January 14th. Check out the 'Viva' trailer below:
