An impressive collection of home-grown feature films, documentary and animation is coming to Irish screens in the coming weeks.
The Irish titles will compete with releases such as James DeMonaco’s ‘The Purge: Election’ year and Todd Phillip’s ‘War Dogs’.
With ‘Bobby Sands: 66 Days’ breaking box office records in its opening weekend and opening in an additional 16 cinemas this Friday, the Irish look all set to contend with the international titles.
Viva
Paddy Breathnach directs Mark O’Halloran’s script in this delicate portrait of Cuban drag performer Jesus, whose struggle begins when his disapproving estranged father returns home. ‘Viva’ releases on Friday August 19th and is distributed by Element Pictures.
Strange Occurrences in a Small Irish Village
Aoife Kelleher’s documentary feature follows the hugely successful ‘One Million Dubliners’, which was nominated for the George Morrison Feature Documentary Award at the IFTA Film & Drama Awards 2015. Her latest project explores religious phenomenon and its effect on the community and pilgrims of Knock, Co. Mayo.
‘Strange Occurrences in a Small Irish Village’ releases Friday August 26th and is distributed by Underground films.
A Date for Mad Mary
Darren Thornton's feature stars Ray Bingham New Talent Award Winner Seana Kerslake as lead character Mary McArdle who is determined to find a date to a friend’s wedding, following a stint in prison. Determined to prove her right to a plus one for the big day, Mary’s attempts at securing a date lead her into trouble and emotional challenges.
'A Date for Mad Mary' releases on September 2nd and is distributed by Element Pictures.
Anthropoid
This WWII drama stars leading Irish actors Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan and is directed by Sean Ellis. The project is based on the extraordinary true story of Operation Anthropoid, the WWII mission to assassinate SS General Reinhard Heydrich.
‘Anthropoid’ releases on September 9th and is distributed by Icon Film Distribution.
The Young Offenders
Peter Foott’s debut feature sees two Irish teenagers set off in pursuit of a missing bale of cocaine, based on the true events of Ireland’s largest ever cocaine seizure in 2007. ‘The Young Offenders’ releases on September 16th and is distributed by Wildcard Distribution.