Film on Rory Gallagher's legacy among first titles announced for Cork International Film Festival
The Spirit of Rory: Live From Cork features Joe Bonamassa playing some of Rory Gallagher's classic songs. Pictures: Darragh Kane, Mick Rock.
Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) will host the world premiere of a documentary honouring Cork guitar legend Rory Gallagher's enduring legacy next month.
The festival, which runs from November 12 to November 22, has announced the first major titles for its 71st edition.
The festival will host the World Premiere of on Wednesday, November 18 at The Everyman Theatre in Cork City.
The world premiere documentary follows blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa on his visit to Cork to honour the enduring legacy of Irish blues legend Rory Gallagher in his hometown.
Filmed during three sold-out performances in Cork, the documentary brings Gallagher’s music and influence to life through electrifying performances, rare footage and personal reflections from those who knew him and were inspired by his work, including Brian May, Slash and more.
A celebration of Gallagher’s legacy and the lasting impact of his music, the film offers a powerful portrait of one of Cork’s most celebrated musicians.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Dónal Gallagher and a special guest.
Olivier Clert’s is set to open the festival at MTU Cork School of Music on Thursday, November 12, bringing together the worlds of animation and music for a special evening celebrating the artistry behind which is based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo.
Following its warmly received premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this summer, Clert’s will bring the festival to life with an original score by composer Anne-Sophie Versnaeyen at the Curtis Auditorium. The opening gala will also include a special musical presentation and Q&A with Clert and Versnaeyen.
The 71st edition of the festival will close on Sunday, November 22 at The Everyman Theatre with Jesse Eisenberg’s starring Academy Award-winning actor Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti.
The Irish Premiere of is the third feature directed by Eisenberg following The film follows Mona Friedman (Julianne Moore), a timid New Jersey housewife, who seeks escape from her suffocating suburban life by auditioning for a local community theatre musical. When she unexpectedly lands a minor supporting role, she falls deep under the spell of Jerry (Paul Giamatti), the production’s brilliant but domineering director.
The screening marks CIFF’s longstanding tradition of bringing major international cinema and filmmaking talent to audiences in Cork.
Festival Director & CEO of Cork International Film Festival, Fiona Clark, said: “The Curtis Auditorium at MTU Cork School of Music is a particularly fitting setting for our Opening Gala, Lucy Lost, a beautiful, evocative and joyous film showcasing animation at its most inventive, with a captivating original score.
Our partnership with MTU will establish a new cinematic venue in Cork for the Festival, and the Opening Gala will feature a musical surprise on the night.
"We are proud to build on the momentum of our landmark 70th Festival last year with more than 200 films and special events taking place throughout the city, reflecting our continued commitment to bringing the very best of Irish and international cinema to Cork, and celebrating the city’s creative community and cultural life.”
The full festival programme will be announced on Wednesday, October 14.
Tickets for the pre-announced Gala films and Joe Bonamassa: The Spirit of Rory are on sale now at corkfilmfest.org.
