Excitement mounts ahead of Fleadh in Galway

The Galway Film Fleadh will give a first glimpse at some of the best new Irish movies. Esther McCarthy selects some of the potential hits to watch out for.

The Galway Film Fleadh (July 10-15) will celebrate its 30th year of bringing Irish and international cinema to the west of Ireland this week.

For managing director Miriam Allen, picking some of this year’s highlights from a crammed programme is like giving the nod to a favourite child.

It’s an understandable dilemma. Not only has Galway enhanced its reputation as a premier festival for emerging Irish cinema in recent years - the sheer level of domestic, indigenous talent breaking through in the Irish film scene these days make it a challenge to narrow down.

A good showing at Galway is vital for Irish filmmakers - because it is a market festival, it’s known for drawing attendees from all over the world. In recent years, strong Irish features including The Young Offenders, A Date for Mad Mary and Michael Inside have made their debuts at Galway.

Here are some of Allen’s Irish and international Fleadh picks:

CELLAR DOOR

Starring Karen Hassan, Catherine Walker and Mark O’Halloran, Cellar Door is a tale of young love and tortured loss. The film follows the story of Aidie — described as “a fighter inside and out” — who embarks on a search for her son while in the grip of the Church.

The movie looks at trauma through the perspective of the lead character. Allen was particularly impressed by Vico Nicki’s debut feature, a Magdalene laundry-inspired drama mystery.

“I remember feeling really stirred by it when I first saw it,” she says.

DON’T GO

Stephen Dorff and Melissa George in Don't Go.

Shot on location in Co Galway last year, the latest feature from David Gleeson (Cowboys & Angels) has attracted an impressive international and domestic cast including Stephen Dorff, Melissa George, Simon Delaney and Aoibhinn McGinnity.

The story centres on Ben and Hazel, a married couple who’ve recently lost their young daughter. They relocate to a small Irish seaside town, where Ben starts to experience vivid dreams about his girl, and begins to believe he can bring her back to life.

“Galway looks great on film,” says Allen. “In a film with a very strong cast, Simon Delaney is terrific.”

AROUND HERE

Set around a family farm, Michael is a young man who struggles with communication, local bullies and catching the eye of a girl he likes in school.

Allen was impressed with Martin Beirne’s film, particularly given it was made outside traditional funding models.

“It’s another amazing first feature. Most of the actors are new to film and I think this is definitely one to watch.”

KATIE

Ross Whitaker’s portrait of boxer Taylor as she bids to turn her career around is one of Galway’s most anticipated films this year.

The film focuses on the deeply personal reasons behind her career low — a disappointing Rio 2016 Olympics campaign —and her determination to start over as a professional.

“We all love Katie and this is a very strong documentary as she prepared to turn professional following a troubled year,” says Allen.

TOWN OF STRANGERS

Set in the Co Galway town of Gort, Teresa O’Brien’s feature documentary takes the audience on a journey in the company of outsiders making their home in the west of Ireland.

“It’s a story about multiculturalism and diversity and a really lovely film,” says Allen.

KILLING GOD

Of the strong international features programme, Caye Casas and Albert Pintó’s quirky comedy won Allen over. “

The black humour in this one is great, something special,” she says. “I nearly burst a gut laughing at the screening”.

Little wonder - the action centres on a dwarf who crashes a party claiming to be God, and announcing that all humanity will perish except for two survivors chosen by the party.

HOLIDAY

Isabella Eklof’s Nordic co-production is a thriller about Sascha, a young and beautiful woman who discovers her life of hedonism and fun comes at a price when she is welcomed into the company of her drugs-lord boyfriend at his holiday villa.

“It’s a very interesting film and I think the kind of film that you really want the director to attend, so we’re very glad she’s coming to Galway,” says Allen.

Meanwhile, here are 5 things to do this week

By Des O'Driscoll

1. GIG: RUFUS WAINWRIGHT

The popular singer-songwriter is in Cork Opera House tonight, and the NCH in Dublin tomorrow.

2. TV: SHARP OBJECTS

A rare decent drama series to light up the summer schedules, Amy Adams stars in the adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s dark tale.

Sky Atlantic, tonight

3. GIG: KRAFTWERK

The electronic music pioneers make their Cork debut with a set that will include such classic tunes as ‘The Model’ and ‘Autobahn’.

Marquee, Cork, Wednesday

4. LITERATURE: WEST CORK LITERARY FESTIVAL

Zadie Smith, Caitríona Perry, and Bernard MacLaverty are among the people gathering in Bantry for readings, workshops, and discussions.

westcorkmusic.ie/literaryfestival, Friday to July 20

5. ART: NAKED TRUTH

Unfortunately, we’re all gone too sophisticated for any scandal to be stirred by this exhibition of nudity in Irish art, but interest will be piqued by Sheela-na-gigs and work by the likes of Francis Bacon and Dorothy Cross.

Crawford Art Gallery, from Friday