We take a look at the Irish connection at this year’s Jameson Dublin International Film Festival…
1.The Secret Of Kells
Set in 9th century Ireland, the film opens in the fortified Kells Abbey, whose outer walls provide the last line of defence against the omnipresent danger of invasion by the Vikings, while also acting as a frustrating limit to the playground of our hero, a twelve-year-old boy named Brendan (Evan McGuire). His uncle, the stern, forbidding Abbott Cellach (Brendan Gleeson) rules the abbey with an iron rod but despite this, young Brendan finds a new source of fun and friendship with Brother Aidan (Mick Lally) and his motley crew of illuminators who work on the abbey’s greatest treasure The Book of Kells. They show him the beauty of art which stimulates his creativity and fantasy. As the constant threat of invasion hangs over the monks, young Brendan, emboldened by the passion of the illuminators, ventures outside the walls of his childhood prison and finds inspiration and danger in equal measures.
2. Cherrybomb
Cherrybomb is the joint debut of co-directors Glen Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa from a screenplay by Daragh Carville. Set in Belfast, this is a fast-paced drama centering on two teenage friends whose furious rivalry for a gorgeous yet cunning girl has shocking consequences. Best friends Luke, and Malachy are finally ready to enjoy their summer after finishing their final school exams. Yet, when the stunning Michelle moves to town unexpectedly, these two best friends soon become worst enemies. With a resistance to boredom, Michelle seductively encourages a dirty competition between the two for her heart. Meanwhile, Michelle’s father’s penchant for local girls threatens to catch up with him as what was supposed to have been a relaxing vacation transforms into a wild ride of drinking, drugs, sex and a deadly end to the competition.Featuring Rupert Grint (Harry Potter) and James Nesbitt (Cold Feet), Cherrybomb boasts an impressive ensemble of young Irish and is a thrilling and highly impressive debut feature from two filmmakers to watch for the future.