The three IFTA-nominated feature films make up the focus on Irish film at the annual festival, with ‘Tomato Red’ (Juanita Wilson), ‘A Date for Mad Mary’ (Darren Thornton) and ‘The Secret Scripture’ (Jim Sheridan) set to screen.
The festival runs from April 20th–27th and will feature over three hundred and fifty films to the big screen. The Irish titles which are all nominated in the Best Film category at the upcoming IFTA Film & Drama Awards this Saturday, April 8th, will screen at the Irish Showcase Party on Sunday, April 23rd.
‘Tomato Red’ written and directed by Juanita Wilson follows drifter Sammy Barlach (Jake Weary) as he and his newfound companions struggle against corruption and justice.
‘The Secret Scripture’ from Jim Sheridan explores the life of Lady Rose, played at alternate stages of her life by Rooney Mara (Carol) and Vanessa Redgrave (Foxcatcher) who has kept a diary of her extended stay at a mental hospital.
‘A Date for Mad Mary’ from Darren Thornton observes ‘Mad’ Mary McArdle who has recently been released from prison as she tries to get a date for her best friend’s wedding.
The opening film is ‘Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton’, directed by Rory Kennedy (Last Days in Vietnam), and is a documentary focusing on the achievements of the surfer despite refusing to compete professionally.
David Leveaux’s title ‘The Exception’ will close the festival on Thursday April 27t h, in which a German soldier searches for a spy during the onset of WWII.