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Welcome There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a strange year, but never has film been more important in bringing people together, showing us the power of shared experience and allowing us to explore the world in new ways. In 2021, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Virgin Media DIFF has been re-imagined to bring our audiences the best of new films and old classics, all while allowing you to attend the festival in the safest way possible. This year, walk your own red carpet! The festival programme will come right to you, via our new screening platform Eventive. For the first year, you will enjoy all the festival from the comfort of your home.
The Science of Ghosts
While You Live, Shine
The Arts Council proudly supports film festivals to bring the best of film to you. DeargdhĂşil
The Great Wall
Making the Grade
OĂche Nollaig na mBan
The Floating World
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Booking tickets for the Festival couldn’t be simpler. Simply book online, or give us a call on 01 687 7974
We operate as a members’ festival and membership is included in the ticket price. Unless otherwise stated, all ticket holders must be 18 years or older to attend festival events and screenings.
Ticket Prices Ticket Prices Online Ticket: Online Gala Ticket: Online Shorts Programme Ticket:
For full details of our ticketing terms and conditions see: www.diff.ie/terms-and-conditions €9 €11 €7.50
Senior Prices Online Ticket: Online Gala Ticket: Online Shorts Programme Ticket:
€8.50 €10.50 €6.50
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€8.50 €10.50 €6.50
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Introductions
Chairperson’s Welcome —
Managing Director’s Note —
The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival’s goal is to give you a unique, exciting and stimulating festival experience. Given the times that we are in, we have never needed that more. While this year will be different, let us focus not on what we’re missing, but on the massive opportunities the new format allows. In this programme, you will find our most diverse range of cinema events to date. We will be giving you unprecedented access to filmmaker conversations, workshops and experiences designed to remind us all why we love cinema. 2021 marks the third year of our title sponsorship with Virgin Media. This partnership has gone from strength to strength, allowing us to expand the scope and depth of the festival and enabling a broader audience to “Discover Different.” We are endlessly grateful for the support from our long-term funding partners, the Arts Council and Screen Ireland, especially in this exceptionally challenging time. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the extraordinarily creative, resilient, resourceful and dynamic Festival team. As always, the most important thanks goes to you, the audience. These past months have been a difficult time for cinema-lovers. We hope this Festival will allow us all to get lost in the power of film once more.
There are many people to thank this year, but I would like to begin by thanking the festival team who have adapted quickly to the challenges the past 12 months have brought. Despite being situated in various countries, they have pulled together, creating an exciting platform to showcase our wonderful films and events. I would like to thank our principal partner, the Arts Council, who have offered constant support during these difficult times, and our title sponsor for standing alongside us during this ever-changing period. The last year has shown us how vital the arts are to our society. Whoever we are and whatever background we come from, the need to see our stories and lives reflected on our screens has never been greater. I believe the power of film can provide us with the cathartic communal experience that we all crave, but which has recently seemed so out of reach. We are all missing a great deal of life’s habitual pleasures, our cinemas, theatres, concerts and galleries. We therefore ask you, our audience, to reach out to your friends and family across the country and share the joy of film with them. We believe the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival 2021 brings us a programme of films in which we can all feel at home and everyone can be heard. Enjoy.
Aidan Greene Chairperson
Helen Hutton Managing Director
Introductions
Sponsor’s Introduction —
We are very excited to return for our third year of partnership with the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. 2021’s online format provides a great opportunity to extend reach across the breadth of Ireland to new audiences and film lovers alike. This year’s line-up includes an exciting variety of world cinema and the very best of Irish Film. The programme emphasizes a wide range of voices, from Black women in film to the LGBTQ+ community, creating one of the most diverse festivals to date. This acts as a reminder of the power of film in showcasing different stories that inspire, entertain and empower. At Virgin Media we are invested in providing access to great entertainment – whether it’s discovering a new release or nurturing emerging talent via the Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition in association with Screen Ireland. We know that Irish people love film, and through this partnership we want to help Irish audiences discover the best of cinema while connecting even more people to Ireland’s premier film festival. We are thrilled to be announcing the two winners selected from a panel of industry judges for Virgin Media Discovers, a short film competition launched by Virgin Media in June 2019. The winning entries will be celebrated by the Festival and Virgin Media by having their world premiere of their shorts later this year. Keep an eye on www.virginmedia.ie/ discovers for more details. Niamh O’Driscoll Head of Brand & Marketing – Virgin Media
Introductions
“I’m not making any plans. I’m just going to let the universe surprise me.” – Hot Tub Time Machine
Festival Director’s Introduction —
Welcome to the 2021 Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. In 2020, we were the last international film festival to dodge the global shutdown; this year it seems we too must bend to the universe and go online. Although initially extremely challenging for small organisations like ours, a wonderful sense of solidarity has developed across the international film community. Our 2021 line-up has benefited from the relationships and mutual respect between filmmakers and film organisations, and ultimately our audiences will also benefit from these partnerships and collaborations from around the world. I would like to start by acknowledging all the filmmakers who have given so generously with their films and to thank them for their trust. This year we will present our programme 100% online, and as an organisation we hope our 2021 event will reflect the core elements of the traditional festival with some exciting new initiatives. We have embraced the advances in technology to engage more effectively with audiences and to present our 2021 programme way beyond our usual venues, from across the whole of Ireland all the way to Los Angeles and beyond. It’s a cracking programme with auteurs and discoveries, music documentaries and archive celebrations, shorts films and lots of special guests. We will open with the heartbreaking Supernova which features two of our favorite festival guests, Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth, recipient of this year’s Volta Award. As ever we have a fantastic line-up of world cinema with
highlights such as Gagarine, Minari, Limbo and the wonderfully named Preparations to be Together for an Unknown Period of Time. Our 2021 documentary competition is extremely strong with award-winning films such as The Reason I Jump, Gunda and Acasa My Home. Inspired by a phrase by Mark O’Connell, our new strand “Future Shock” will examine our anxious present tense and includes films such Michel Franco’s New Order and David Burke’s Father of the Cyborgs. Our Irish selection includes our Closing Film, Rachel Carey’s deliciously dark comedy Deadly Cuts; Cathal Nally’s gangster comedy Be Good or Be Gone; Ivan Kavanagh’s much anticipated Son; and as a really special treat for this year, Tadgh O’Sullivan’s wonderous To the Moon. We have expanded our short programmes, and as ever we will celebrate emerging Irish film talent with our Discovery project. This year marks the second year of our First Frame Film Student Initiative, and we are delighted to welcome famed US producer Dede Gardener to speak to the young filmmakers. Additionally, we are partnering with TCD’s film department to present a series of film talks around our Retrospective season celebrating Black Women directors, and our festival lineup will be reviewed by the Young Film Critics Initiative. Another exciting new project is Playback x VMDIFF: Irish Hip Hop + R&B, a specially curated season of hip hop music videos selected by Mike Donnelly and Erica Cody. Playback x VMDIFF will launch in Dublin and then travel to eight cities around the world. I would like to thank the Department of Foreign Affairs for their support of this initiative.
Finally – a HUGE heartfelt thanks to all our partner filmmakers, distributors and sales agents; to title sponsor Virgin Media and Principal Funder Arts Council; to our friends in Screen Ireland; to all our embassy partners and supporters; and of course to our Board of Directors, with a special thanks to both Suzanne Noble and Paula Woods. It’s been a difficult year, but like I said at the start, a new spirit of collaboration has emerged. In particular I would like to thank my network of film programmer friends – not just in Ireland but in Glasgow, Sundance, Cannes and way beyond – who have helped with advice and support. Closer to home we have a lovely team this year, and I would like to pay special tribute to our MD Helen Hutton, who has kept the lights on and the team focused all year long. There have been several iterations of the festival this year – initially we planned a hybrid presentation that included driveins alongside cinema screenings; what we present in this catalogue is the blueprint. For the final step, we must hand it over to you to make it your own. On behalf of the festival team, we send our best wishes to all our audiences and hope that you enjoy the show. Gráinne Humphreys Festival Director
Yvonne:
Will I see you tonight? Rick Blaine:
I never make plans that far ahead. – Casablanca
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How Does it Work?
Films will have a premiere start time and most will be available for 72 hours from purchase. This means you can follow the Festival schedule, or watch the film whenever suits you! With filmmaker intros and Q&As with talent, enjoy the whole festival experience from your sofa.
The Festival at Your Fingertips All you need to know to enjoy the Festival from the comfort of your home!
How to Buy Your Ticket
How to Buy Your Pass
01 / Browse the Festival Programme watch.eventive.org/vmdiff and make your selection
01 / Choose your pass on our website watch.diff.ie/passes/buy
02 / Click “Pre-order” or “Unlock” button
02 / Create an Eventive login, or sign in to your existing account
03 / Create an Eventive login, or sign in to your existing account
03 / Enter your payment information and click the “Buy” button
04 / Enter your payment information and click the “Pre-order now” button
05 / Check out what you have already ordered by selecting the profile icon in the top right corner of Virgin Media DIFF’s Programme
04 / Click the My Virtual Passes icon. Add your name or a description to your pass and you’re ready to go!
05 / With your festival pass, you can “Pre-order” tickets in advance, or “Unlock” screenings currently available for viewing – providing they haven’t sold out! Browse our Programme to make your selections
The Festival at Your Fingertips
Enjoy the Festival from your home Just like in a real cinema, each online film screening has a limited number of ‘virtual seats’. If you want to make sure you see a film, the safest option is to pre-order! The online film screenings are scheduled at different times over the 12 days of the Festival. Each online film is available to unlock for 72 hours after it premieres. Once you’ve hit play you’ll have 30 hours to finish watching it, so don’t worry if you get interrupted by the pizza delivery! If are you unsure about how much time you have left to watch a film, you can find this info on the online film listing. Sit back with a snack and enjoy your film.
The Festival from your TV If you have Roku or Apple TV (generation 4 or above), download the “Eventive TV” app from the App Store, accessible via your TV. When you open the app for the first time you’ll see an activation code. Go to watch.eventive.org/tv on your laptop or phone and use the code to connect your account. You’ll still need to unlock content through your laptop or phone, but – when you’re ready to watch it – you’ll find all your unlocked content on the app. If you have a smart TV enabled with AirPlay or Chromecast, set your computer, mobile device or browser to “AirPlay” or “cast” to the TV device. Unlock the program on the Online Festival, then set your player window to full-screen using the icon at the lower right. You can also directly connect a laptop or computer using an HDMI cable. If you experience any issue with the screening: Test your Device Compatibility or Visit our FAQs page
Schedule Main Festival + Special Events / 3 – 14 March 10:00
11:00
13:00
Film Screening Documentaries Galas: Listed In In Focus, Indus
14:00
15:00
Wednesday 03 / 03 Thursday 04 / 03 Friday 05 / 03 Saturday 06 / 03 Sunday 07 / 03 Monday 08 / 03 Tuesday 09 / 03 Wednesday 10 / 03 Thursday 11 / 03 Friday 12 / 03 Saturday 13 / 03 Sunday 14 / 03
First Frame All Shorts Programmes (Runs Throughout Festival)
Jumbo
Festival Programmers Panel
Gunda
Lapsis
Daughters of the Dust
Gagarine
Celebrating the Vanguard of B
Cowboys Careers in Screen
Air Conditioner
Gipsy Queen
Wild Swords
Voir Le Jour Paris Qui Dort
gs: Listed In Red s: Listed In Blue n Gold stry: Listed In Grey
16:00
Please Note: Additional events may have been added after this catalogue went to print. Please check our website www.diff.ie for the most current schedule. All films will be available to view in ROI/NI for 72 hours from the start date and time below (unless otherwise stated).
17:00
18:00
19:00
20:00
Supernova Q&A Volta Award Presentation Be Good or Be Gone Ammonite
Underplayed
Radiograph of a Family
To the Moon In Conversation with Steve McQueen Limbo Boys from County Hell Minari
A Worm in the Heart
Kubrick by Kubrick My Little Sister
Acasa, My Home Fidelity
Aalto Black Cinema
Pino
Surprise Film Beasts Clawing at Straws Playback After Love I Never Cry Screenwriters Panel There is no Evil Father Preparations to be Together for an Unknown Period of Time Shorta The Reason I Jump
The Dissident
Apples My New York Year
Is There Anybody Out There? Dreams on Fire
Father of the Cyborgs Dinner in America New Order
He Dreams of Giants Working with International Archives
Undine Son
BIG vs SMALL Hope
Deadly Cuts
21:00
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Film Program — 3–14 Ma
mme
arch
Wednesday 3 March
Drama
Supernova Virgin Media Opening Gala — Premiere Time: Wed 03 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 30m (Live broadcast time restrictions) Director: Harry Macqueen / 2020 Country: United Kingdom Writer: Harry Macqueen Cast: Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci
Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci dazzle as a loving gay couple in this touching and beautifully judged drama, now emerging as an awards-season favourite. Sam and Tusker have been together for two decades and are eager to fulfil a long-held dream of travelling across England in their camper van to revisit family, friends and memories of their past. There is a reason they have finally found this time – their careers as a musician and novelist have been put on hold as Tusker has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
Painfully aware that this might be their last holiday while Tusker is still well, they embark on their journey. Directing from his own script, actor-turned-filmmaker Harry Macqueen gently focuses the story around the couple’s relationship as he similarly did in his acclaimed debut, Hinterland. He builds on that promise here, delivering an intimate drama that’s all the more moving for its lack of sentimentality. Firth and Tucci are superb, giving us heartfelt performances in a film about the power of love.
Thursday 4 March
Music, Documentary
Underplayed Premiere Time: Thur 04 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 27m Director: Stacey Lee / 2020 Country: Canada Writers: Georgia Dodson, Neil Blewett, Stacey Lee Cast: Alison Wonderland, Nervo, Nightwave, Rezz, Sherelle, TokiMonsta, Tygapaw Nomination: Documentary Competition
Electronic music has long been connected to the ideals of diversity, community and inclusivity. Why then, as recently as 2019, were only seven of Billboard’s Top 100 DJs women? Shot over the course of one summer on the festival circuit, Stacey Lee’s documentary challenges the traditions and conventions that lead to gender disparity. It does so through the exciting music and determined voices of the female pioneers and artists who are championing real change.
Thriller
Be Good or Be Gone Premiere Time: Thur 04 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 33m Director: Cathal Nally / 2019 Country: Ireland Writers: Cathal Nally, Les Martin Cast: Alan Sherlock, Brid McCarthy, Conor Lambert, Declan Mills
Set over the course of four days in modernday Dublin, this Irish dramedy revolves around two petty-criminal cousins released from Mountjoy Prison. Weed is keen to pursue fashion, if only he can break his substance addiction. Ste wants to build a better life for himself, his girlfriend and their daughter. But that’s before they get drawn into a robbery that goes spectacularly wrong in Cathal Nally’s energetic feature debut.
First Frame First Frame Film Student Day — Thur 4th Mar / 10:00 – 16:00 / Pre-Recorded Event
In association with Warner Media
Each year, Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival targets the 17 third-level institutions across Ireland that offer filmrelated courses in order to encourage students to attend our programme’s screenings and events and to foster film appreciation. Created in 2020, First Frame is an expanded student film initiative and competition. First Frame starts with a morning of talks, followed by afternoon screening sessions. This year the Academy Award winning film producer Dede Gardner (12 Years a Slave) – whose recent project, Minari, will be available to watch later in the festival – will take a look at her career in a pre-recorded interview. This will be followed by two programmes of student short films, carefully curated from a selection submitted by thirdlevel institutions across the country. — The festival would like to acknowledge the support of Warner Media and are thrilled to welcome producer Dede Gardner at our First Frame event.
Romance, Drama
Ammonite Premiere Time: Thur 04 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 57m Director: Francis Lee / 2020 Country: United Kingdom Writer: Francis Lee Cast: Kate Winslet, Saoirse Ronan
Writer and director Francis Lee follows the acclaimed In God’s Country with a drama loosely inspired by the life of top palaeontologist Mary Anning. On the south coast of England in the 1840s, Mary (Winslet) supports herself by selling fossils to tourists, introducing her to Roderick and his young wife Charlotte (Ronan), who is suffering a personal trauma. Neither woman could imagine it, but they are about to embark on a remarkable and passionate love affair that will change both their lives.
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Friday 5 March
Drama
Jumbo Premiere Time: Fri 05 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 34m Director: Zoé Wittock / 2019 Country: France Writer: Zoé Wittock Cast: Emmanuelle Bercot, Noémie Merlant Supported by: Embassy of Belgium in Ireland & French Embassy in Dublin
A shy young woman falls in love with an amusement park ride in writer/director Zoé Wittock’s unique and erotic movie debut, a hit on the festival circuit. After all, Jumbo is tall and handsome, standing as it does 25 feet over the local funfair. Although her mother is aghast at her objectophilia, for Jeanne the feeling is real, in a movie that examines how human beings have distanced themselves from real things.
Documentary
Radiograph Of A Family Premiere Time: Fri 05 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 20m Director: Firouzeh Khosrovani / 2020 Country: Iran, Norway, Switzerland Writer: Firouzeh Khosrovani
“Mother married my father’s photograph,” says director Firouzeh Khosrovani in the opening line of her deeply personal film. Her father, it emerges, was away during his own wedding and encouraged the family to celebrate without him. It wasn’t the only disconnect – her mother would go on to become hugely involved in the Iranian Revolution, signing up for the military and wearing strict revolutionary clothing. Khosrovani’s documentary recalls an extraordinary time of change in Iran’s history.
Documentary
To The Moon Premiere Time: Fri 05 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 16m Director: Tadhg O’Sullivan / 2020 Country: Ireland
Tadhg O’Sullivan’s joyful documentary is a cinematic love letter to the moon, celebrating the night sky over the course of a lunar month. There’s a mesmerizing quality to the film, which along with extraordinary footage from around the globe, looks at the moon’s place in literature, culture and storytelling. Aided and abetted by a remarkable score, To The Moon is contemplative, poetic and sincere.
Drama, Comedy
Limbo Premiere Time: Fri 05 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 43m Director: Ben Sharrock / 2020 Country: United Kingdom Writer: Ben Sharrock Cast: Amir El-Masry, Kenneth Collard, Kwabena Ansah, Ola Orebiyi Nomination: ICCL Human Rights Film Award
Four asylum seekers await word of their futures while staying on a distant Scottish island in Ben Sharrock’s award-winning comedy/drama. While waiting to hear their fate, they endeavour to embrace the very different people, climate and culture found in their new home. In telling their story, Sharrock mines elements of deadpan humour, satire and humanity as the refugees aim for a sense of identity and camaraderie in this strange new place.
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Saturday 6 March
Documentary
Gunda Premiere Time: Sat 06 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 33m Director: Victor Kossakovsky / 2020 Country: United States, Norway Supported by: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dublin
A real-life Babe is the compelling star of Gunda, Viktor Kossakovsky’s documentary that gives us an intimate account of the life of a pig. A flock of chickens and a herd of cows provide strong support in this black and white film that leans into the animal’s own sounds instead of human dialogue. Executive-produced by actor Joaquin Phoenix, The New York Times described it as “sublimely beautiful and profoundly moving.”
Documentary
A Worm in the Heart Premiere Time: Sat 06 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 28m Director: Paul Rice / 2020 Country: United States Cast: Igor Kochetkov, Liam Jackson Montgomery, Paul Rice, Peter Tatchell, Polina Andrianova Nominations: Documentary Competition, ICCL Human Rights Film Award
Six cities spanning the legendary TransSiberian Railway form the backbone of this documentary about the LGBTQ+ experience. Irish director Paul Rice and producer Liam Jackson Montgomery travel from city to city in order to give voice to those who have experienced what it means to be queer in Russia. Told through the accounts of various people within the community, the emerging testament is shocking, poignant and deeply personal.
Horror, Comedy
Boys from County Hell Premiere Time: Sat 06 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 30m Director: Chris Baugh / 2020 Country: Ireland Writers: Brendan Mullin, Chris Baugh Cast: Fra Fee, Jack Rowan, Louisa Harland, Nigel O’Neill
The allegedly haunted town of Six Mile Hill, connected to Bram Stoker, is the setting for a boisterous Irish comedy/horror from Chris Baugh (Bad Day for the Cut). There, a group of friends like little more than daytime pints and terrifying tourists with vampire tales. But when workmen disturb an ancient plot, the stage is set for a bloody gore-fest in Baugh’s wickedly funny film, propelled by a spirited cast.
Drama
Minari Premiere Time: Sat 06 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 55m Director: Lee Isaac Chung / 2020 Country: United States Writer: Lee Isaac Chung Cast: Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Steven Yeun, Will Patton, Yeri Han, Yuh-Jung Youn
A Korean family makes their home on a farm in 1980s Arkansas in writer/director Lee Isaac Chung’s spirited drama. Based around Chung’s own upbringing, it tells of the family’s efforts to make a life for themselves on modest land in the Ozarks as they navigate the unfamiliar territories of both farming and the immigrant experience. Veteran actor Yuh-Jung Youn shines as the movie’s fabulously fiesty grandmother.
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Sunday 7 March
Sci-Fi, Drama
Lapsis Premiere Time: Sun 07 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 44m Director: Noah Hutton / 2020 Country: United States Cast: Dean Imperial, Madeline Wise
A clever and edgy takedown of corporate greed and the gig economy, Lapsis nudges towards science fiction in its storytelling. Motivated by a need to help his ill brother, Ray is ‘hired’ by a company that requires trekking into the forest to lay futuristic cables. The job substitutes a base salary and perks for plenty of empowering pep talk, driving Ray to question what he has signed up for in this smart and witty drama about social justice.
Documentary
Kubrick By Kubrick Premiere Time: Sun 07 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 12m Director: Gregory Monro / 2020 Country: France Nomination: Documentary Competition Supported by: French Embassy in Dublin
Featuring unearthed interview recordings from the titan of cinema himself, Kubrick by Kubrick reveals the motivations of one of cinema’s most enigmatic forces through his own words. Structured around a series of interviews with French film critic Michel Ciment spanning two decades, the film gives an extraordinary and revealing insight into the mindset of a man who almost never gave interviews. The recordings include views on his Irish-set masterpiece, Barry Lyndon.
? Surprise Film Gala — Premiere Time: Sun 07 Mar / 18:00 (Live broadcast time restrictions)
A tradition since the early days of the festival. No one knows what the film is until the very last minute. 2021 ????? 2020 How to Build a Girl 2019 Dragged Across Concrete 2018 Unsane 2017 Get Out 2016 Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot 2015 Good Kill 2014 Muppets Most Wanted
2013 Welcome to the Punch 2012 This Must Be the Place 2011 Cedar Rapids 2010 Greenberg 2009 Hamlet 2 2008 The Escapist 2007 300 2006 The Jacket 2005 The Squid & The Whale 2004 Starsky & Hutch 2003 Buffalo Soldiers
© Jakob Owens
Drama
My Little Sister Premiere Time: Sun 07 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 39m Directors: Stéphanie Chuat, Véronique Reymond / 2020 Country: Switzerland Writers: Jens Albinus, Lars Eidinger, Marthe Keller, Nina Hoss Supported by: Embassy of Switzerland in Ireland Supported by: Goethe-Institut
German acting icon Nina Hoss gives a characteristic first-rate performance in a drama selected to compete for Berlin’s Golden Bear. She is Lisa, a playwright with writer’s block who yearns for the love and friendship of her twin brother Sven, an actor living abroad. When he’s diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, she vows to do anything she can to get him back on stage – regardless of the personal and emotional costs.
Thriller, Drama
Beasts Clawing at Straws Premiere Time: Sun 07 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 48m Director: Yong-hoon Kim / 2019 Country: South Korea Writer: Yong-hoon Kim Cast: Do-yeon Jeon, Ga-ram Jung, Hyun-been Shin
A Louis Vuitton bag full of money causes an outrageous chain of events in Korean filmmaker Kim Yong-Hoon’s much-admired debut. The bag’s discovery leads to a succession of lowlifes, double-crossers, criminals and dealers who come undone through greed as they try to outsmart each other for the money. A jury award winner at Rotterdam International Film Festival, this acerbic crime thriller is a wickedly entertaining debut.
Music
Playback Gala — Premiere Time: Sun 07 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 20m Curated by: Michael Donnelly & Erica Cody, 2020 Country: Ireland
A dynamic programme of the best contemporary Irish Hip Hop + R&B music videos in Ireland today. Curated for the 2021 Festival by producer Michael Donnelly V and musician Erica Cody, Playback presents 12 music videos alongside specially-recorded interviews with the featured film directors and music artists. This project showcases the vibrant, energetic creativity of the talents involved and gives them a platform to discuss their process, style and collaborations.
The film will launch during the festival in March and then travel across the world, linking in with international film festivals and arts institutions from Ireland to Mumbai to New York to Melbourne to Los Angeles.
Monday 8 March
Short
Maman(s) Premiere Time: Mon 08 Mar / 13:00 / 21m Director: Maïmouna Doucouré / 2015 Country: France Cast: Sokhna Diallo, Maïmouna Gueye, Mareme N’Diaye, Azize Diabaté, Maissa Danon Supported by: The French Embassy in Dublin
Aida, an eight-year-old girl, lives in an apartment in Paris with her mother Mariam and must adjust to the arrival of her father’s second wife.
Drama
Daughters of the Dust Premiere Time: Mon 08 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 52m Director: Julie Dash / 1991 Country: United States Writer: Julie Dash Cast: Cora Lee Day, Barbara O, Alva Rogers
Cited by Beyoncé as an inspiration for her visual album Lemonade, Julie Dash’s 1991 film is a cutting-edge and groundbreaking piece of work. Set on an island off South Carolina at the turn of the 21st century, it focuses on a family from the Gullah community who live in the tradition of their West-African ancestors. But younger generations yearn to move to the mainland in a tale that is an ode to a way of life.
— Daughters of the Dust will be preceded by short film Maman(s).
Documentary
Acasa, My Home Premiere Time: Mon 08 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 25m Director: Radu Ciorniciuc / 2020 Country: Romania, Germany, Finland Writers: Lina Vdovîi, Radu Ciorniciuc Nomination: Documentary Competition, ICCL Human Rights Film Award
In Romania’s Bucharest Delta, a large rural family is forced to move to the city after two decades of living peacefully off the land. Investigative journalist Radu Ciorniciuc’s detailed and empathetic documentary explores the societal demands of an urban lifestyle and the struggle of a family to maintain freedom in a modern world. The film received high praise at Sundance, winning the Special Jury Award for Cinematography in World Cinema Documentary.
Drama
Fidelity Premiere Time: Mon 08 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 22m Director: Nigina Sayfullaeva / 2019 Country: Russia Writers: Lyubov Mulmenko, Nigina Sayfullaeva Cast: Aleksandr Pal, Aleksey Agranovich, Anna Kotova, Evgeniya Gr, Marina Vasileva, Pavel Vorozhtsov
Nigina Sayfullaeva’s provocative feature smashes its way through long-held sexual taboos in a story told through the eyes of its female protagonist. Lena suspects that her actor husband, with whom she shares a passionless marriage, is having an affair – and decides that if he’s cheating, she will too. She begins to seek out other men to have sex with, in a manner that threatens to spiral dangerously out of control.
Drama
After Love Premiere Time: Mon 08 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 29m Director: Aleem Khan / 2020 Country: United Kingdom Writer: Aleem Khan Cast: Joanna Scanlan, Nasser Memarzia, Nathalie Richard, Talid Ariss
An impressive feature debut from writer/ director Aleem Khan, After Love is a drama about long-held secrets and lies set in the British port town of Dover. A woman (Joanna Scanlan) discovers a shocking secret about her husband’s life following his death that threatens to turn her world upside down. Scanlan has received high acclaim for her role, described by Screen International as “a phenomenal performance.”
Drama
I Never Cry Premiere Time: Mon 08 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 40m Director: Piotr Domalewski / 2020 Country: Poland, Ireland Writer: Piotr Domalewski Cast: Arkadiusz Jakubik, Cosmina Stratan, David Pearse Supported by: Embassy of the Republic of Poland
The Polish/Irish emigrant experience is explored to moving effect in this emotional account of the economic migrant experience from writer/director Piotr Domalewski (Silent Night). After teenager Ola hears of the sudden death of her father, a Polish man working as a builder in Ireland, she must travel to repatriate his body. But their relationship, we discover, was complicated, and in death Ola may finally get to know more about her father’s life.
Tuesday 9 March
Drama
Gagarine Premiere Time: Tues 09 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 41m Directors: Fanny Liatard, Jérémy Trouilh / 2020 Country: France Writers: Benjamin Charbit, Fanny Liatard, Jérémy Trouilh Cast: Alséni Bathily, Finnegan Oldfield, Lyna Khoudri Supported by: French Embassy in Dublin
Teenager Yuri is named for Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, and so is the housing project where he lives. Even as he dreams of leaving home to become an astronaut himself, he is determined to save the project from planned demolition. Alséni Bathily has received strong reviews for his lead role in this Cannes breakout hit from Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh.
Documentary
Aalto Premiere Time: Tues 09 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 38m Director: Virpi Suutari / 2020 Country: Finland Writer: Virpi Suutari Nomination: Documentary Competition
One of the world’s most beloved architects is brought to life in Aalto, Virpi Suutari’s documentary about Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. As well as his works, the film celebrates Aalto’s personal and professional relationship with his first wife Aino, also an architect, using stunning black and white photography and iconic images. Wed in the 1920s, the forward-thinking couple went on to co-design several modern buildings around the world.
Drama
There Is No Evil Premiere Time: Tues 09 Mar / 19:00 / 2hr 30m Director: Mohammad Rasoulof / 2020 Country: Iran, Germany, Czech Republic Cast: Bahram Mohammad Seddighimehr, Darya Baran Rasoulof, Hasan Alireza Zareparast
Multi-award winning filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof’s latest feature revolves around four different cases involving the death penalty in Iran. It focuses on the soldiers tasked with carrying out executions demanded by the state, and the profound impact this has on their life and their family’s lives. Winner of Berlin’s Golden Bear award for Best Film, it’s a deeply moral and complex film that asks: “What would you do?”
Drama
Father Premiere Time: Tues 09 Mar / 19:00 / 2hr Director: Srdan Golubović / 2020 Country: Serbia, France, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina Writers: Ognjen Sviličić, Srdan Golubović Cast: Boris Isaković, Goran Bogdan, Milica Janevski, Muharem Hamzić, Nada Šargin Nomination: ICCL Human Rights Film Award
A Serbian man goes on a journey in the hope of regaining custody of his children in Srdan Golubovic’s latest drama. Following shocking events early in the film, the children of Nikola (Fargo’s Goran Bogdan) are taken away by social services and he’s not allowed to see them. After exhausting other avenues, Nikola goes on an epic journey by foot, motivated by love and the need to fight for his children.
Short
Alone Once Premiere Time: Tues 09 Mar / 19:00 / 4m Director: Polly Creed / 2020 Country: United Kingdom Cast: Francesca Isherwood
A woman navigates a single day from morning to evening while in lockdown. The film was shot during the first lockdown of Covid-19 on a smartphone camera.
Drama
Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time Premiere Time: Tues 09 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 34m Director: Lili Horvát / 2020 Country: Hungary Writer: Lili Horvát Cast: Benett Vilmányi, Natasa Stork, Viktor Bodó Supported by: Embassy of Hungary in Dublin
Hungary’s entry for Best International Feature Film at this year’s Oscars, Lily Horvat’s striking and unique story has received wide critical acclaim, as has Natasa Stork’s beguiling lead performance. The noirish melodrama centres on a surgeon who encounters her soulmate at a medical conference. But when she confronts him weeks later after being stood up, he’s adamant that he has never met her.
— Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time will be preceded by short film Alone Once.
Wednesday 10 March
Drama
Cowboys Premiere Time: Wed 10 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 23m Director: Anna Kerrigan / 2020 Country: United States Cast: Jillian Bell, Sasha Knight, Steve Zhan
Writer/director Anna Kerrigan’s tender and compassionate film tells the story of a loving father, Troy, and his young trans son. They disappear into the wild together after Troy discovers the boy’s mother objects his identity. The film builds into a modern western with a personal family story at its core, set against the majestic backdrop of the Montana wilderness.
Documentary, Biography
Pino Premiere Time: Wed 10 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr Director: Walter Fasano / 2020 Country: Italy Supported by: Italian Cultural Institute
Pino Pascali had given great art to the world – and had much more to give – when he tragically died in a motorcycle accident in 1968. The beloved artist was just 32 years old. Walter Fasano’s charming documentary tells how, fifty years later, Pascali’s work Cinque Bachi da Setola e un Bozzolo (Five Bristle Worms and a Cocoon) is returned to his homeland. The film features stunning photography from Pascali himself.
Drama
Shorta Premiere Time: Wed 10 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 48m Director: Anders Ølholm, Frederik Louis Hviid / 2020 Country: Denmark Writers: Anders Ølholm, Frederik Louis Hviid Cast: Jacob Lohmann, Simon Sears, Tarek Zayat
Anders Olholm and Frederik Louis Hviid’s timely and immersive police-action thriller comes to Dublin following strong reviews at Venice Film Festival. It follows two police officers whose day becomes anything but routine as they patrol a disadvantaged area. When news breaks that a teenager has died in police custody, angry locals demand answers as the pressure-cooker atmosphere builds. What follows is a tense real-time thriller as the men hastily try to escape – preferably with their arrestee.
Documentary
The Reason I Jump Premiere Time: Wed 10 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 22m Director: Jerry Rothwell / 2020 Country: United Kingdom, United States Nomination: Documentary Competition, ICCL Human Rights Film Award
Naoki Higashida’s deeply personal account of living with the silence of autism from a non-verbal person’s perspective was a publishing sensation. Now Higashida and four other young people with autism spectrum disorder share their accounts of living with the condition in Jerry Rothwell’s critically acclaimed documentary. The film serves as a vital supplement to the book and won both an audience award and Special Jury Prize at Sundance.
Thursday 11 March
Drama
Air Conditioner Premiere Time: Thur 11 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 12m Director: Fradique / 2020 Country: Angola Writers: Ery Claver, Fradique Cast: David Caracol, Filomena Manuel, José Kiteculo
The Angolan capital city of Luanda comes bustling to life in this off-beat and charming movie from native filmmaker Fradique. When air-conditioning units across the city all fall simultaneously, a security guard and housemaid are tasked with solving the problem for their boss, but success will not come easily. An exceptional soundtrack from much-loved Angolan musician Aline Frazao adds an extra dose of vibrancy.
Thriller, Documentary
The Dissident Premiere Time: Thur 11 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 59m Director: Bryan Fogel / 2020 Country: United States Writers: Bryan Fogel, Mark Monroe Nominations: Documentary Competition, ICCL Human Rights Film Award
American filmmaker and activist Bryan Fogel, whose Icarus won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, follows the shocking case of Jamal Khashoggi in his latest feature. In 2018, the US-based journalist and prolific critic of Saudi Arabian governance entered the country’s embassy in Istanbul, where he was murdered. Featuring unprecedented access to those closest to him, Fogel’s investigative documentary untangles the extraordinary circumstances of his death and his life’s work.
Drama, Comedy
Apples Premiere Time: Thur 11 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 30m Director: Christos Nikou / 2020 Country: Greece, Poland, Slovenia Writers: Christos Nikou, Stavros Raptis Cast: Anna Kalaitzidou, Argiris Bakirtzis, Aris Servetalis, Sofia Georgovasili
Selected as Greece’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars, the darkly comedic Apples has been generating enormous buzz on the festival circuit. When the city of Athens is struck by a mysterious pandemic that causes amnesia, one affected man sets out to create a new identity for himself through a state-sponsored programme. Apples is the feature debut of Christos Nikou, who worked as assistant director on Yorgos Lanthimos’s Dogtooth.
Drama
My New York Year Premiere Time: Thur 11 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 41m Director: Philippe Falardeau / 2020 Country: Canada, Ireland Writer: Philippe Falardeau Cast: Margaret Qualley, Sigourney Weaver
A big-name cast including the great Sigourney Weaver leads this Irish/Canadian co-production adapted from Joanna Rakoff’s memoir, My Salinger Year. It centres on a young woman with dreams of being a writer who is hired as an assistant to J.D. Salinger’s old-school literary agent. A glamorous world of martini lunches is far removed from her rundown Brooklyn apartment. But as Joanna is tasked with replying to fan mail in the iconic author’s voice, she begins to find her own.
Friday 12 March
Drama
Gipsy Queen Premiere Time: Fri 12 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 52m Director: Hüseyin Tabak / 2019 Country: Germany, Austria Writer: Hüseyin Tabak Cast: Alina Serban, Irina Kurbanova, Tobias Moretti
Roma actor Alina Serban proves a powerful onscreen force in this endearing boxing drama from Huseyin Tabak (Your Beauty is Worth Nothing). She plays Ali, a Roma single mother determined to protect her children and enable them to enjoy a better life in their new home. Disowned by her family and disappointed with her life, Ali faces a tough path – but she has the heart of a lion and a better future in her sights.
Drama
Dreams On Fire Premiere Time: Fri 12 Mar / 16:00 / 2hr 3m Director: Philippe McKie / 2021 Country: Canada, Japan Cast: Akaji Maro, Bambi Naka, Masahiro Takashima
One of Japan’s most celebrated dancers, Bambi Naka, takes on her first lead role in Philippe McKie’s feature. Yume is an aspiring dancer who travels to Tokyo with big dreams, which are swiftly deflated by a harsh reality. Undaunted, she takes a job as a hostess in the red-light district while embracing the city’s underground dance community, providing a vibrant and colourful look into Japanese dance culture.
Documentary
Is There Anybody Out There? — Premiere Time: Fri 12 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 12m Year: 2021 Country: Ireland Directors: Jamie Lane, Émilie Dumesny, Hugh Whelan, Ricardo Agostini, Barry Murphy, Jinjin Sang, Kaiyin Lin, Victoria Keane, Riley McKeon, Mariana Rios Sanchez, Emma Nickle, Lizzy Vallely, Juliette McBain, Benita Dederichs, Robert Browne, Franciscoos Ramírez-Burgos, Andrew Boner-Scally, Grainne Quigley, Brian Murray, Marieke Oggel, Lauren O’Hare, Markéta Ní Eithir, Molly Boyne, Lorraine James, Barry Deegan, Aisling Ellis, Ottoline MacIlwaine, Melanie O’Donnell, Hector Wright, Arianna Owens, Riona Sakurada, Peter Kenny, Jiayi Lin, James Doran, Megan Whitham, Mark McDonnell, Jordanne Jones, Bonnie Gill, Martha Robinson, Salvija Dabuleviciute, Ellen Jacob, Mairead Marron, Aoife Breathnach, Molly Donnery, Chloe Fetherston, Ted Goodson Treacy, Curtis Winkelmann, Anika Kidd, Olivia Masetti Nolan, John Dugan, Niamh Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh, Isabel Kveder, Mia Sherry, Sadha Byrne Hanna, Matthew Harris, Anna Conway, Justin MacGregor
When Ireland went into lockdown due to COVID-19, the students of Trinity College Dublin started documenting what was happening to themselves, their friends, their families, and their world. This feature length documentary contains material created by 60 filmmakers from 14 countries to tell the story of young people seeing their world change forever.
Documentary, Biography
Father of the Cyborgs Premiere Time: Fri 12 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 23m (Geoblocked ROI only) Director: David Burke / 2020 Country: Ireland Cast: Dr Phil Kennedy
Phil Kennedy made history and headlines when he connected the brain of a paralysed man to a computer in the 1990s. He became known as The Father of the Cyborgs – but the neurologist’s quest for knowledge didn’t end there. In 2014, he stunned his peers and his family when he agreed to have his own brain implanted to continue his research. This Irish production follows his remarkable and unprecedented journey.
Comedy
Dinner in America Premiere Time: Fri 12 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 46m Director: Adam Carter Rehmeier / 2020 Country: United States Writer: Adam Carter Rehmeier Cast: Emily Skeggs, Griffin Gluck, Kyle Gallner, Lea Thompson, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Pat Healy
A smash at Sundance, Dinner in America tells the story of a punk rocker and his young superfan whose paths cross, leading to a wild journey across the fading suburbs of America. What follows is an offbeat comingof-age comedy from writer/director Adam Rehmeier that blends pitch-black humour, mischief and romance. It features widely praised performances from charismatic leads Kyle Gallner and Emily Skeggs.
Thriller
New Order Premiere Time: Fri 12 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 28m Director: Michel Franco / 2020 Country: Mexico, France Writer: Michel Franco Cast: Diego Boneta, Mónica Del Carmen, Naian González Norvind Supported by: French Embassy in Dublin
A wealthy couple’s wedding in Mexico comes under the radar of protesters during a working-class uprising in Michel Franco’s dystopian thriller. When a man approaches the party seeking support for his sick wife, he’s treated largely with disdain as a violent coup unfolds on the streets. Franco, following on his Jury Prize winner at Cannes for April’s Daughter, traces the collapse of a political system in microcosm in this tense commentary on inequality.
Saturday 13 March
History, Action
Wild Swords Premiere Time: Sat 13 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 32m Director: Li Yunbo / 2019 Country: China Writer: Li Yunbo Cast: Zhang Xiaochen, Liu Yongxi, Sui Yongliang
Li Yunbo’s gritty action thriller focuses on a mysterious thief that seems to be connected to a bloody battle that still resonates. The Nameless and Tang-Man sects duelled bitterly through the ages – until a violent swordsman named Chang ended their feud in massacre and vanished without a trace. An ambiguous new swordsman aims to discover the fates of Chang and his victims in this stylised and stylish wuxia film.
Documentary
He Dreams Of Giants Premiere Time: Sat 13 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 25m Directors: Keith Fulton, Louis Pepe / 2019 Country: United Kingdom Cast: Adam Driver, Jonathan Pryce, Terry Gilliam
For three decades, Terry Gilliam’s efforts to make a film about Don Quixote became almost as legendary as the filmmaker himself, while also redefining the term “development hell.” Lost in La Mancha documented how his initial shoot was abandoned within days amid flash-flooding, illness and other disasters. Those filmmakers return for this follow-up documentary as Gilliam finally looks set to realise his dream of bringing his own unique riff to Cervantes’s classic.
Drama
Undine Premiere Time: Sat 13 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 30m Director: Christian Petzold / 2020 Country: Germany Writer: Christian Petzold Cast: Anne Ratte-Polle, Franz Rogowski, Jacob Matschenz, Julia Franz Richter Nomination: Documentary Competition Supported by: Goethe-Institut
Following the huge success of his last feature, Transit, writer/director Christian Petzold turns to the world of the water nymph. A contemporary take on the ancient tale of a woman who moves from water to land, German historian Undine is betrayed by the man she loves, and she fears a call to return to the water. Petzold’s film blends folklore and modern romance, winning lead Paula Beer the Best Actress award at Berlinale.
Thriller, Horror
Son Premiere Time: Sat 13 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 37m Director: Ivan Kavanagh / 2020 Country: Ireland, United States Writer: Ivan Kavanagh Cast: Andi Matichak, Emile Hersch
Irish filmmaker Ivan Kavanagh (Never Grow Old) turns to horror for his latest feature. A mother who escaped a cult as a child must face her past when cult members return and attempt to kidnap her son David. On the run from the sinister sect, they are helped by a detective – but since the attempted abduction, something has changed in David. Emile Hirsch and Andi Matichak lead an on-form cast in Kavanagh’s meaty thriller.
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Sunday 14 March
Silent
Paris Qui Dort Premiere Time: Sun 14 Mar / 13:00 Director: René Clair / 1924 Country: France Writer: René Clair Cast: Charles Martinelli, Albert Préjean, Henri Rollan, Madeleine Rodrigue, Marcel Vallée — This 4K restoration was carried out by the Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé Fundation in 2018 at L’Immagine Ritrovata laboratory, with the support of CNC.
An eccentric scientist who uses magic to freeze people in often-embarrassing positions is the subject of this wonderfully offbeat 1925 sci-fi comedy. René Clair’s groundbreaking silent film centres on a worker who finds himself in a fantasy where he uses a ray gun to zap the citizens of Paris into a slumber. That he unleashes his superpowers from the top of the Eiffel Tower only adds to the sense of futuristic fun.
Drama
Voir Le Jour Premiere Time: Sun 14 Mar / 13:00 / 1hr 31m Director: Marion Laine / 2019 Country: France Writer: Marion Laine Cast: Aure Atika, Brigitte Rouan, Kenza Fortas, Sandrine Bonnaire Supported by: French Embassy in Dublin
French filmmaker Marion Laine, who previously directed the legendary Juliette Binoche in À Coeur Overt, sets her latest feature in a busy maternity ward in Marseille. Jeanne and her colleagues toil to protect mothers and newborns in a climate of understaffing and management pressure. Following a tragedy, Jeanne is forced to confront both her relationship with her daughter and her own past. Arguably one of France’s greatest actors, Sandrine Bonnaire shines as the troubled Jeanne.
Documentary
BIG vs SMALL Premiere Time: Sun 14 Mar / 16:00 / 1hr 16m Director: Minna Dufton / 2020 Country: Finland Nomination: Documentary Competition
The power and magnificence of the sea is captured to impressive effect in this documentary about big-wave surfer Joana Andrade. The Portuguese athlete and extreme competitor is one of the greatest in a sport traditionally dominated by men, but for Andrade, courage and fear are not mutually exclusive. She goes to train under revered free diver Johanna Nordblad as both women seek to empower themselves and be the greatest they can be.
Drama
Hope Premiere Time: Sun 14 Mar / 16:00 / 2hr 5m Director: Maria Sødahl / 2019 Country: Norway Cast: Andrea Bræin Hovig, Stellan Skarsgård
Early reviews have been universally strong for Maria Sodahl’s intimate drama about a couple whose lives are impacted by a cancer diagnosis. When artist Anja is rocked by the latest news of her illness, she decides to keep the diagnosis private from everyone but her husband, Tomas. This tender drama reveals both the strengths and difficulties in their relationship as Anya wonders how she can possibly break the news to her children, family and friends.
Comedy
Deadly Cuts Closing Gala — Premiere Time: Sun 14 Mar / 19:00 / 1hr 30m (Geoblocked ROI only) Director: Rachel Carey / 2020 Country: Ireland Writer: Rachel Carey Cast: Aidan Mc Ardle, Angeline Ball, Ericka Roe, Lauren Larkin, Pauline Mclynn, Shauna Higgins, Victoria Smurfit
Rachel Carey’s highly anticipated comedy is this year’s Closing Night film. Shot on location in Dublin and featuring true-blue Dublin humour throughout, Deadly Cuts proudly returns to its hometown for its world premiere. The film centres on a group of city hairdressers who work hard while having the craic with their customers and each other in a local salon. But when the community they hold dear comes under threat from a criminal gang, the stylists become accidental vigilantes as they take them on to protect the place they call home.
Boasting a predominantly female cast including Angeline Ball, Ericka Roe, Lauren Larkin, Shauna Higgins and Victoria Smurfit, the movie builds into both a laugh-out-loud comedy and a love letter to city life. “I made this film because I’d felt for a long time that a Dublin comedy was well overdue – especially one that featured the style, wit, and occasional murderous urges of the Dublin young one – and I can’t wait for audiences to watch it fly,” said Carey of her film.
Shorts Program — 3–14 Ma
mme
arch
Screen Ireland Shorts
A selection of Screen Ireland shorts curated by Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival.
Her Song
The Dead Hands Of Dublin
Directors: Éabha Bortolozzo, Jack Kirwan / 7 mins The Banshee’s song comforts Peggy as she unspools the threads of her past, weaving myth and reality, and she tells Eve her devastating story.
Director: Leo Crowley / 8 mins Sidney, a failed pianist, comes into the possession of a pair of enchanted gloves. He soon finds himself playing the piano like a maestro.
STIR
Expulsion
Director: Rory Bresnihan / 14 mins
Director: Sinead Murphy / 10 mins
Following a car accident, a young woman finds herself convalescing in the home of an old man who has recently lost his wife.
Haunted by visions, a young woman revisits an abusive past, seeking to expel inner demons and put an end to her torment.
Info: 3–14 Mar / 1hr 11m Country: Ireland
Barry
HUM
Director: John Robert Brown / 5 mins
Director: Maureen O’Connell / 9 mins
Susan is trying to enjoy a spot of gardening when her neighbour’s maddening dog, Barry, destroys the peace.
Following a heated discussion with his partner, Tim seeks refuge in an empty gallery space, where gallery regular Cecil takes him on an abstract journey.
The Fear
Seven Feet Nine and a Quarter Inches
Director: Stevie Russell / 5 mins The Fear is a monster with an important job: striking doubt, shame and regret into unsuspecting victims. He preys on those that feel alone.
Director: Peter O’Brien / 13 mins The story of a young girl defying gender streotypes and turning heads in the highly competitive world of youth darts.
Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival Shorts #1
I am afraid to forget your face Director: Sameh Alaa / 15 mins Country: Ireland
Dinner Director: Linh Tran / 10 mins Country: Viet Nam
After being separated for 82 days from the one he loves, Adam travels down a rough road: nothing will stop him.
Quan is a stubborn but mature 11-yearold. One day, coming home from school, he witnesses something that makes him question his family’s dynamics.
The Invisible Boy
Solitaire
Director: James Fitzgerald / 21 mins Country: Ireland
Director: Edoardo Natoli / 8 mins Country: Italy
When a young girl goes missing in a small town, a troubled fisherman is forced to confront the past that destroyed his family.
Love happens when least expected: Renaud is a loner, but when a woman moves into the apartment across the street, they both discover a new desire.
Info: 3–14 Mar / 1hr 43m Country: Various International
4x4
Kosher
Director: Ayla Amano / 16 mins Country: Ireland
Director: Gideon Imagor / 13 mins Country: Israel
In rural Ireland, a simple decision pushes two teenage sisters to contemplate their future and their ties to the family farm.
Racheli, a young Orthodox woman, struggles with her community’s strict expectations and cultural practices after feeling oppressed and humiliated during her monthly immersion in the Mikveh.
Scrubber
PADDY
Director: Sophia Di Martino / 8 mins Country: United Kingdom
Director: Roisin Kearney / 13 mins Country: Ireland
A lonely woman becomes increasingly infatuated with her neighbor as she spies on them from her kitchen window while washing the dishes.
London, late 70s: Patrick is trying to stay true to his Irish heritage, but he discovers a music that speaks to him: Punk.
Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival Shorts #2
Imprints
To All My Darlings
Director: Cathy Dunne / 9 mins Country: Ireland
Director: Lia Campbell / 12 mins Country: Ireland
An exploration of the passing of time as Mary recalls memories of her late husband Denis. Moments from the 1960s imprinted onto Denis’ cine reels.
Adaeze feels isolated in her relationship and within her community, after a traumatic miscarriage and the revelation that further pregnancy attempts will be difficult.
The Granny
A Simple F*cking Gesture
Director: Aram Shahbazyan / 24 mins Country: Armenia An elderly lady will not allow a TV crew that is interviewing a priest in a church to stop her from her work.
Director: Jesse Shamata / 8 mins Country: Canada A simple road manoeuvre results in a heated exchange: emotions escalate for a husband and wife when another driver doesn’t give them a “thank you wave”.
Info: 3–14 Mar / 1hr 37m Country: Various International
Guard Up
Cranberry Nights
Director: Tony Doyle / 7 mins Country: Ireland
Director: Sara Robin / 16 mins Country: United States
A young boxer’s secret is exposed. Gavin Quinn believes his participation at the Olympics is at risk, because his true identity is publicly revealed.
Can an undocumented young woman in America trust her friends? Juana tries hard to fit in, but at a party her best friend exposes her secret.
The Edge
Omé
Director: Emma Iris Benson / 4 mins Country: France Supported by: French Embassy in Dublin
Director: Wassim Geagea / 17 mins Country: Lebanon, Qatar
In a world covered with ice and snow, a man lives alone with his dog. Every day he goes fishing, hoping to catch some food.
After the death of his mother, Elias makes a deal with God to try to bring her back from heaven, all while defying his faith.
Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival Shorts #3
How to Fall in Love in a Pandemic Director: Michael-David McKernan / 11 mins Country: Ireland A capsule romance accelerates dramatically against the backdrop of the pandemic as two filmmakers who met on Tinder are forced to move in together.
Cemile Director: Belkis Bayrak, BelkÄąs Bayrak / 11 mins Country: Turkey Cemile is an ambitious kickboxer and, while she prepares for her upcoming match, she needs to focus not only on her physical training, but also on her emotions.
BASURERO Director: Eileen Cabiling / 17 mins Country: Philippines As the drug war rages in the Philippines, Bong, a fisherman desperate for money, reconsiders how to make ends meet.
The Love and Death of Yosef and Zilli Director: Dean Gold / 19 mins Country: Canada After 62 years of marriage, Yosef and Zilli decide to take their lives together. Their son Doron documents their life through his videotapes.
Info: 3–14 Mar / 1hr 49m Country: Various International
Regarding Annabel
Anita
Director: Garry Simpson / 5 mins Country: United Kingdom
Director: Sushma Khadepaun / 18 mins Country: India
Why was Annabel not accepted to the prestigious Winterbourne School for girls? Her mother Melissa knows the truth, but she must hide it from her friends.
While attending her sister’s wedding in India, Anita comes to an unpleasant realization: her life in America is not better than those of who remained in her hometown.
Hanging Over The Atlantic
Unliveable
Director: Fionn Walshe / 9 mins Country: Ireland Life on Dursey Island has never been easy: a single cable car is the sole link to the rest of Ireland and the world.
Director: Enock Carvalho, Matheus Farias / 20 mins Country: Brazil In Brazil, where a trans person is murdered every three days, Marilene searches the streets for her daughter Roberta, a trans woman who went missing.
Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival Shorts #4
Hold Your Tears
Director: Remi Bassaler / 23 mins Country: France Supported by: French Embassy in Dublin
Ebb and Flow Director: Alice Ward / 12 mins Country: Ireland
A father, his son’s girlfriend and a journey to pay their respects to the son who died in an accident and to his motorbike.
Three women surf the waters off the west coast of Ireland, in a celebration of the radiant female surf community.
Push This Button if You Begin to Panic
Cloud Forest
Director: Gabriel Böhmer / 13 mins Country: United Kingdom An animated view of Bartholomew’s visit to the doctor to treat an unusual illness, that doesn’t stop him from seeing the quiet beauty around him.
Director: Eliane Esther Bots / 18 mins Country: Netherlands Five girls share their memories of their parents’ experiences of war in the former Yugoslavia. A war which the girls haven’t physically experienced themselves.
Info: 3–14 Mar / 1hr 40m Country: Various International
Tides
Kathleen Was Here
Director: Rowan Gray / 12 mins Country: Canada
Director: Eva Birthistle / 10 mins Country: Ireland
Eden cares for her sick grandmother who has suddenly gone missing. The young woman must truck her through a harsh Canadian winter landscape.
18 year old Kathleeen faces up to a future alone. What does the future hold when the past is all you’ve got?
Drifting Directors: Patrick McGivney, Robert Higgins / 14 mins Country: Ireland Two best friends face the effects of emigration on their friendship, as they find themselves in conflict for the first time.
PRISM UK Short film Programme
Dungarees
S.A.M.
Director: Abel Rubinstein / 5 mins Country: United Kingdom
Directors: Eyre and Ely, Lloyd Eyre-Morgan / 16 mins Country: United Kingdom
Transgender Blake and cisgender Cane hang out, play video games and grapple with their insecurities. This is their love story.
6:23AM Director: Geoffrey Breton / 4 mins Country: United Kingdom Two women, who met during the night, watch the sunrise from Primrose Hill, but one of them may be about to ruin the new romance.
Every week, two teenage boys both named Sam meet at the swings to escape their dysfunctional home lives, and slowly fall in love.
Something In The Closet Director: Nosa Eke / 12 mins Country: United Kingdom Is there really a monster in Madi’s closet, or is it something else that she fears?
Info: 3–14 Mar / 56m Country: Various International
The Passing
My Mama, A Man
Director: Nichola Wong / 15 mins Country: United Kingdom
Director: Helena Middleton / 9 mins Country: United Kingdom
asmine is a talented mortician, but her world Y is turned upside down as she encounters the most difficult job of her career.
Julie had a list of 60 things she wanted to do before she turned 60. Top of the list: to be a man for a day.
Ireland’s Leading Film/TV Lighting & Generator Hire Company
Woodstock Business Park, Newcastle Road, Kilcoole, Ireland. www.teachsolais.com www.kiteelmstudios.ie
Young Peoples Shorts
Charlie Surfer
Ode
Director: Pia Strømme / 18 mins Country: Norway
Director: Naomi Waring / 3 mins Country: Ireland
Charlie is 10 years old and has been diagnosed with Asperger’s. He loves surfing and he has great expectations for the summer surf camp.
A portrait documentary of a group of young disco dancers from a community in Northern Ireland, to shine a light on their passion and dedication.
Sleuth
PIVOT
Director: Douglas Reddan, Leah Moore / 11 mins Country: Ireland
Director: Kristian Mantalvanos / 22 mins Country: Ireland
Jake’s family have been up to some suspicious behaviour. He will not be left in the dark, so he decides it’s time to do some detective work!
Eight senior members of Dublin Youth Dance Company dance their truths – the good, the bad and the beautiful – in a time of lockdown.
Info: 3–14 Mar / 1hr 29m Country: Various International
The Abandoned Block
The Debs Debacle
Director: James Bourne / 6 mins Country: Canada
Directors: Amelia Jackiewicz, Caroline Joyce, Croi Lenihan, Emily Daniel, Eric Byrne, Katie Walsh, Sean Cooper, Valentina Cecan, Zinedin Labelle / 15 mins Country: Ireland
The story of a useless, damaged, forgotten block of marble that becomes one of the greatest and most beautiful works of art in the world.
Tina Times Two Director: Bonnie Dempsey / 15 mins Country: Ireland All Tina wants is a friend she can perform her dance routines with. And magically one day, a friend appears – an exact double of Tina!
Four frenemies are forced to overcome their differences and work together to organise their school Debs, in the short film created by the Screen8 programme participants.
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Awards
Awards —
Every year, the Festival’s diverse range of awards champions excellence in filmmaking. From shorts to features, children’s films to documentaries, and from emerging artists to some of the most accomplished actors, writers and directors working today, Virgin Media DIFF awards offer recognition for every type of film and every type of filmmaker at every stage of the career.
– Volta Award – Discovery Awards – Short Film Awards – Virgin Media Audience Award – ICCL Human Rights Film Award – Documentary Competition – Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards
Colin Firth Volta Award
Academy Award-winning actor Colin Firth is a veteran of film, television and theatre, with an impressive body of work spanning over three decades. He has appeared in three films that have won the Academy Award for Best Picture: The King’s Speech, Shakespeare in Love and The English Patient. Colin’s portrayal of King George VI in The King’s Speech earned him the Oscar for Best Actor in 2011, as well as a Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, British Independent Film Award, Critics’ Choice Award and his second consecutive Bafta Award. He was also lauded for his performance in Tom Ford’s A Single Man, winning the Bafta Award for Best Actor
in 2010 and the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 2009 Venice Film Festival. His other film credits include the Oscar-nominated Girl with a Pearl Earring; Bridget Jones; Tinker Tailor Solider Spy; Mamma Mia; When Did You Last See Your Father?; Easy Virtue; Michael Winterbottom’s Genova; The Importance of Being Earnest; Circle of Friends; and the Festival’s Opening Night gala film, Supernova. The Festival is honoured to award Colin Firth with a Volta Award for contribution to the world of film.
Awards
Aer Lingus Discovery Awards
Discovery Award Jury
— The Irish film industry has never been busier – productions both large and small are reaching wider audiences, and there is an abundance of talent working in the sector today. The Aer Lingus Discovery Awards aim to identify, champion, support and encourage new and emerging talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Colin Campbell Editor – The Hole in the Ground, The Young Offenders Stephen Faloon General Manager – The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Franklin Leonard Producer & Founder – The Black List Lesley McKimm Producer / Project Manager – Screen Ireland
2021 Aer Lingus Discovery Award Nominees
Evan Barry
Darren Cahill
Tony Cantwell
Rachel Carey
Fionn Condren
Leo Crowley
Cinematographer: 4x4 Other Credits: Love is a Sting; The Trap
Writer & Director: Deadly Cuts Other Credits: Nice Night For It; The Girl and the Cloud (Writer); Adland Gal (Writer)
Actor: The Invisible Boy Other Credits: Viking; Red Rock
Stunt: Boys From County Hell Other Credits: Fate: The Winx Club Saga; Finding You
Actor: The Fear Other Credits: Something Doesn’t Feel Right, Russian Holiday
Director: The Dead Hands of Dublin Other Credits: The Big Christmas Song (Co-Director & Co-Writer)
2021 Aer Lingus Discovery Award Nominees
Robyn Dempsey
Miriam Devitt
Hazel Doupe
Tony Doyle
Lauren Kelly
Dawn Mac Alister
Saileóg O’Halloran
Burschi Wojnar
Actress: Tina Times Two Other Credits: The Dublin Murders; Little Roy
Actor: Dublin Oldschool Other Credits: 11th Hour; Michael Inside
Costume Designer: Bainne Other Credits: Procession; Cynthia
Writer & Producer: Barry Other Credits: The Space In Between; Running Commentary
Production Designer: A Hero’s Death Other Credits: Rapture; The Trap
Cinematographer: Kathleen Was Here Other Credits: Redemption of a Rogue; Wave; Halo
Actress: Kathleen Was Here Other Credits: Float Like a Butterfly; Calm with Horses; Ciunas
Producer: The Fear Other Credits: Waiting and Bertie for the Rubberbandits, Extra Ordinary (Production Coordinator)
Awards
Short Film Awards —
The Short Film Awards recognise the best Irish and International shorts in the programme, as chosen by our jury.
The short film format has always been a crucial part of the festival, acting as both a showcase for future talent and as an art form in its own right. For 2021, the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival is proud to present a diverse programme of short films.
Short Film Jury: Cara Holmes Editor – Father of the Cyborgs, Director – Welcome to a Bright White Limbo Paddy Slattery Director – Broken Law Farah Abushwesha Producer – The ABC Murders, The Singapore Grip
ICCL Human Rights Film Award —
The films nominated for the 2021 ICCL Human Rights Film Award are: – Acasa My Home – A Worm in the Heart – Limbo – The Dissident – Father – The Reason I Jump
This award celebrates films which help audiences to connect with the human stories behind rights violations and to learn about the many forms activism can take.
ICCL Jury: Brian Gleeson Actor – Peaky Blinders Andrea Horan Campaigner and changemaker Bulelani Mfaco Spokesperson for the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland Aoife Kelleher Director – One Million Dubliners Sinéad Burke Writer, academic and activist
Awards
Virgin Media Audience Award — Each year, you, the audience gets to vote on the films that bring a smile to your face; a tear to your eye; inspire you or clean knock your socks off! This year, you can vote for your favourite through our online streaming platform.
Previous Winners of the Audience Award 2020: Endless Sunshine on a Cloudy Day 2019: Maiden 2018: The Breadwinner 2017: The Farthest 2016: Viva 2015: The Salt of the Earth Previous Winners of the Audience Award for Short Film 2020: IarscolĂĄire 2019: 99 Problems 2018: Time Traveller 2017: The Nation Holds its Breath 2016: Little Bear 2015: Boogaloo & Graham
Awards
Documentary Competition — The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival Documentary Competition will recognise excellence in the field of documentary making.
The following films will compete in our Documentary Competition:
– Aalto – Acasa My Home – A Worm in the Heart – To the Moon – Underplayed – The Reason I Jump – Father of the Cyborgs – Kubrick by Kubrick – The Dissident – BIG vs SMALL
Documentary Competition Jury: Josh Siegel Curator, Department of Film – Museum of Modern Art Ross Whitaker Director – Katie, Between Land and Sea, Unbreakable Kim Longinotto Director – Divorce Iranian Style, The Day I Will Never Forget
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Awards
Dublin Film Critics’ Circle Awards —
Ireland’s professional film critics will announce their awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Irish Film, Best Documentary and Best Performances from the 2021 festival line-up.
Supported by Limelight Communications
Proudly supporting our friends in the Dublin Film Critics Circle at VMDIFF 2021 Limelight Communications continue to be at the forefront of film and entertainment PR and promotion, with unrivalled expertise in devising innovative, award-winning campaigns that are tailored to each project. Our team wish all involved with VMDIFF every success. We can't wait to get back to the cinema. K:72
K:39.9 Contact Glenn Hogarty PANTONE 200 U E: glenn.hogarty@limelight.ie www.limelight.ie
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In Focus
In Conversation with Steve McQueen — Info: Available from Fri 5 March / 7pm
Iconic filmmaker Steve McQueen joins the festival for an in-conversation event hosted by Mark O’Halloran (Adam & Paul, Rialto). The conversation offers a fantastic insight into McQueen’s artistic process. “I’m thrilled to join Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival for a conversation with Mark O’Halloran,” said the Academy Award-winning filmmaker. “Since my first film, Hunger, I have formed many special bonds with my Irish collaborators. I look forward to talking to Mark about storytelling and to a virtual visit with my friends in Ireland.”
Steve McQueen’s critically acclaimed first feature Hunger, starring Michael Fassbender as an IRA hunger-striker, won the Camera D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008. He re-teamed with Fassbender for his follow up feature Shame. McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave dominated the 2013 awards season, and he co-wrote his third feature, Widows, with Gillian Flynn. His most recent project, Small Axe, is an anthology series comprised of five original films about resilience and triumph in London’s West Indian community from the 60s-80s. McQueen is also the recipient of many accolades for his work as a visual artist and his artwork are exhibited and held in major museums around the world. In 2020, McQueen was awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for his services to the Arts.
In Focus
New Voices In Film
Black Women Filmmakers – A Student Seminar — Info: Tue 9 March / 2–5pm Live Event
An afternoon of discussions and presentations focused on diversity and representation in film, reflecting on films featured in the Black Women Filmmaker’s Festival Retrospective. The Festival is delighted to welcome filmmaker Amma Asante (Belle, Where Hands Touch) to the event for an in-conversation interview.
In partnership with the Film Department of Trinity College Dublin
Young Critics @ DIFF — Find the Young Critics’ Review across the VMDIFF website and social media channels during the Festival.
Critics from the Young Irish Filmmakers Nework will bring their critical eye to the 2021 Festival programme this year. A select group of up-and-coming film writers and podcasters aged 18–25 will have the opportunity to view and produce content around films in the 2021 festival programme. The 22 Young Critics will also join Finnoula Halligan, Chief Critic & Editor with Screen International & Screen Daily, for a day long workshop, offering valuable feedback and advice on their work.
In Focus
Screenwriters Panel — Info: Available from Mon 8 March / 7pm Panellists: Rachel Carey, Cathal Nally, Les Martin, Robert Higgins, Patrick McGivney, Miriam Devitt
Careers in Screen — Info: Wed 10 March / Irish Film Institute Online Platform / 2–6pm
Careers in Screen is presented by Irish Film Institute and Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival with the kind support of Screen Skills Ireland and BAI.
Learn more about contemporary Irish screenwriting – where the inspiration springs from, how the ideas develop and the process through drafts and redrafts to the final version. Whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter, a film lover or passionate about storytelling, this is an opportunity to learn about the behind the scenes process of writing a great script.
For the fourth consecutive year, Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival and Irish Film Institute are partnering on an inspiring and innovative event for young people interested in careers in the film & TV industry. Aimed at senior cycle students aged 15–18, this year’s Careers in Screen will comprise an online programme of live and recorded events, hosted on the IFI@Schools platform (www.ifischools.ie), with special guests drawn from a diverse range of film & TV disciplines. Students can access recorded talks leading up to the live event day.
Industry
Industry Events — Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival is pleased to offer a variety of online special events for film industry professionals.
For the full list of industry events and ticketing information, see diff.ie/industry
Festival Programming Panel
Casting By – In Conversation with DIFF
—
Key international film festivals join this panel event: representatives from London Film Festival, Festival de Cannes and more will discuss their festival and programming policies, deadlines and submission criteria – vital information for anybody preparing their own international festival strategy.
— Live Event
Louise Kiely (The Green Knight, Herself, Normal People), Margery Simkin (Avatar, Beverly Hills Cop, Erin Brockovich) and other top Casting Directors join a live panel discussion on how they are navigating the current climate, the time of COVID and the predominantly virtual world.
In Conversation with Editor Walter Fasano
Working with International Archives
Editor Walter Fasano (Call Me by Your Name, Suspiria) joins the festival for an in-depth discussion on film editing, hosted by fellow editor Eoin McDonagh. Fasano, who has made a name for himself as a collaborator of Luca Guadagnino, is also the writer and director of Pino, available on the festival platform.
Producer Clare Stronge discusses her experience working with international archives from nearly 30 countries to find material for the Irish documentary To the Moon. Participants are also introduced to a panel of international archives and ways of collaborating to get the best footage.
— Live Event
— Live Event
Board & Festival Team Board Of Directors — Aidan Greene – Chairperson Ruth Hunter – Company Secretary Elaine Gill Neasa Hardiman Ronan Murphy Suzanne Noble Paula Woods Louise Kiely John Butler
Festival Team — Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys Managing Director Helen Hutton Head of Development & Marketing Kate Cunningham Accounts Officer Carole Lakes Shorts Programmer Maeve McGrath Shorts Programmer Celine Roustan Production Manager Orla Basquille Digital Festival Manager David Taylor-Matthews Print Transport Manager Paloma Dema Programme Events Coordinator Laura Scott Marketing Executive Alex Ayvazova Digital Marketing Executive Noemi Milani Sales & Audience Engagement Executive & Box Office Manager Vlatka Jeh Box Office Assistant Lauren Colhoun Festival Administrator Karen English Festival Graphic Designer Sarah Moloney Festival Video Editor Tom Lee PR Bowe Communications Press Assistants Emma Collins & Sarah Murphy Trailer Producer Colin Campbell & Outer Limits Post Production