MARCH 2017 THE SECRET SCRIPTURE THE IRISH FILM INSTITUTE
The Irish Film Institute is Ireland’s national cultural institution for film. EXHIBIT It aims to exhibit the finest in independent, Irish and international cinema, preserve PRESERVE Ireland’s moving image heritage at the IFI Irish Film Archive, and encourage EDUCATE engagement with film through its various educational programmes.
IFI FRENCH FILM CLUB SPECIAL EVENTS Dancer
This month's French Film Club screening – where IFI and Join us for two special events this March at the IFI. Alliance Française members pay just €7.50 per ticket – On March 2nd at 18.30, we have a special screening takes place on March 1st at 18.30. This month’s film is of Steven Cantor’s new documentary Dancer, Xavier Dolan’s It’s Only the End of the World, an adaptation which will be followed by a live-by-satellite performance of Jean-Luc Lagarce’s renowned stage play in which a from the film’s star, Sergei Polunin. On March 3rd terminally ill writer returns home to his estranged family at 18.15, we will host a screening of music documentary after an absence of more than a decade. See www.ifi.ie Lost in France, followed by a panel discussion. or ask at the IFI Box Office for further details. See www.ifi.ie for more details.
CINE-CONCERTS Guests of the Nation CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
On March 15th we join with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra IFI Corporate Memberships support the work of Ireland's to present Denis Johnston’s masterpiece Guests of national cultural institution for film. Alongside exhibiting the Nation (1935), a silent film accompanied by Niall Byrne’s a diverse programme of Irish and international film, magnificent new score. Tickets from www.nch.ie. On March we preserve the nation's moving image heritage through 19th, in association with the St Patrick’s Festival and the IFI Irish Film Archive, and provide an educational Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, we present The O’Kalem Films programme that supports the national curriculum. An IFI (1910 – 1912), a programme of early dramas with an original Corporate Membership provides the additional funding we score by Bernard Reilly, performed by the Irish CineTheatre need to maintain our archival and educational initiatives. Ensemble. See www.stpatrickscathedral.ie for more details. For more information, see www.ifi.ie/corporate-members. 2 DIRECTOR’S NOTE
This month the IFI presents a programme of some of the best films to be seen all year. MARCH
AT THE IFI Tomato Red We were greatly pleased with the recent announcement the wonderful Graduation. While ballet bad-boy superstar by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Sergei Polunin (made famous to many in Ireland in Hozier’s Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, of more than video for Take Me to Church) is the controversial subject of €9 million in capital funding for arts and culture centres Steven Cantour’s documentary, Dancer, which will include across the country. The Minister made the announcement a special live-by-satellite performance on March 2nd. as part of the Creative Ireland programme. We were delighted that our application for the grant was successful, Irish film remains at the centre of the programme this particularly given it’s the 25th anniversary of our main month and sees the return of one of Ireland’s most home in Temple Bar, and that we will be able to embark important directors – Jim Sheridan. The Secret Scripture, on significant capital projects to improve the venue for our an adaptation of the acclaimed Sebastian Barry novel, audiences for the next number of years. Further details features a tremendous cast including Vanessa Redgrave, on our plans will be announced shortly and framed within Rooney Mara, and our own Jack Reynor, and we are our new IFI Strategy 2017–22 (due for publication in late delighted that Jim Sheridan will join us for a special Spring), which will detail key objectives for the organisation post-screening Q&A on March 24th. Oscar-nominated across our three core areas of exhibition, preservation Juanita Wilson’s second feature is another literary and education. adaptation, this time of the novel by Daniel Woodrell and stars Anna Friel, and we’re pleased to welcome the Our programme this month is packed with some of the director for a Q&A on March 3rd. From the IFI Irish Film finest films that will be shown all year. Golden Globe winner Archive we will have a cine-concert of Denis Jonhston’s and Oscar nominee Isabelle Huppert gives the performance 1935 masterpiece Guests of the Nation in partnership with of her career as the highly complex protagonist Michèle in the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and performed at the National Paul Verhoeven’s captivating Elle. In an equally enigmatic Concert Hall on March 15th. Fresh from Sundance, film, Oliver Assayas’ Personal Shopper with Kirsten Stewart Neasa Ni Chianain and David Rane’s new documentary will stay with you for quite some time after viewing. In Loco Parentis explores the only primary boarding school For fans of Oscar-winning Asghar Farhadi’s About Elly and in Ireland, and again, we are thrilled to announce a director A Separation, the wait is over for his next feature, as the Q&A on March 4th. And if you missed the special event director remains on form with The Salesman (with wins in February, we’re pleased to present another opportunity for Best Screenplay and Best Actor at Cannes, and a to see music-doc Lost in France on March 3rd, which will nominee for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars), be followed by a panel discussion. a domestic drama drawing parallels with Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Kelber Mendonça Filho’s Aquarius, And as the only venue in Ireland able to screen film on which caused some controversy in Brazil, boasts one of 70mm, later this month we’re delighted to be showing the finest performances you’ll see this year, as Sonia Braga Tim Burton’s Batman on this glorious format. plays retired music teacher Clara, fighting developers to stay in the home she has lived for most of her life. It’s going to be a busy month! Cristiam Mingiu (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days) returns with a tale of corruption in modern Romania as a father Ross Keane will go to any lengths to secure his daughter’s future in Director 3 NEW RELEASES, IFI SEASONS & DOCS & IFI CLASSICS EVENTS CALENDAR
CERTAIN WOMEN OPENS MAR 3RD DATE SCREENING TIME IN LOCO PARENTIS OPENS MAR 3RD 1ST IFI FRENCH FILM CLUB: IT'S ONLY THE END 18.30 WED OF THE WORLD TOMATO RED OPENS MAR 3RD ACCESSIBLE SCREENING: FENCES* 20.10 DANCER OPENS MAR 10TH 2ND PREVIEW: DANCER + LIVE PERFORMANCE 18.30 ELLE OPENS MAR 10TH THU 3RD LOST IN FRANCE + PANEL DISCUSSION 18.15 THE OLIVE TREE OPENS MAR 17TH FRI TOMATO RED + Q&A 20.15 PERSONAL SHOPPER OPENS MAR 17TH 4TH IN LOCO PARENTIS + Q&A 16.00 THE SALESMAN OPENS MAR 17TH SAT 5TH IRISH FOCUS: BETWEEN LAND AND SEA 16.00 AQUARIUS OPENS MAR 24TH SUN + Q&A THE EYES OF MY MOTHER OPENS MAR 24TH 6TH THE BIGGER PICTURE: SINGIN‘ IN THE RAIN 18.30 MON THE SECRET SCRIPTURE OPENS MAR 24TH 7TH IRISH FOCUS: BETWEEN LAND AND SEA + Q&A 18.30 THE AGE OF SHADOWS OPENS MAR 31ST TUE IFI CAFÉ BAR PUB QUIZ (FREE EVENT) 21.30 8TH JOHN T. DAVIS RETROSPECTIVE: UNCLE JACK 18.30 ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL OPENS MAR 31ST WED INTERNATIONAL WOMEN‘S DAY: LOSING GROUND 18.30 GRADUATION OPENS MAR 31ST 11TH JOHN T. DAVIS RETROSPECTIVE: SHELLSHOCK ROCK 13.30 SAT + SELF-CONSCIOUS OVER YOU ACCESSIBLE SCREENING: DANCER* 14.00 JOHN T. DAVIS RETROSPECTIVE: ROUTE 66 15.30 12TH JOHN T. DAVIS RETROSPECTIVE: POWER IN 13.30 GET SOCIAL! SUN THE BLOOD + DUST ON THE BIBLE 14TH JOHN T. DAVIS RETROSPECTIVE: HOBO 18.30 Excited about this month’s programme? So are we! TUE Tell your friends which film you’re planning to watch, 15TH ACCESSIBLE SCREENING: DANCER* 18.20 share your movie reviews and show us your best pics WED on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! 18TH FROM THE VAULTS: CINE-CONCERT: ST PATRICK’S DAY 14.00 Join the IFI Community online: SAT 19TH IFI FAMILY: A SHINE OF RAINBOWS 11.00 @IrishFilmInstitute SUN 21ST EVENING COURSE: IVAN THE TERRIBLE (PART I) 18.30 @IrishFilmInstitute @IFI_Dub TUE 22ND JOHN T. DAVIS RETROSPECTIVE: PUBLIC INTERVIEW 18.30 WED FEAST YOUR EYES: THE OLIVE TREE 18.45 23RD IFI FILM CLUB: ELLE 18.00 Open Captioned screening THU 24TH PLASTIK 2017: ABYSS FILM 18.30 FRI THE SECRET SCRIPTURE + Q&A 20.15 Audio Described screening 25TH PLASTIK 2017: A FLIGHT FROM REASON 12.00 SAT PLASTIK 2017: VERTICAL LANDSCAPES 16.00 26TH PLASTIK 2017: PLASTIK AWARD 12.30 SUN PLASTIK 2017: ANDRE TRILOGY 14.00 * Denotes screenings which are open captioned and audio described. PLASTIK 2017: IS IT ABOUT A BICYCLE? 18.00 For more information on our Accessible Screenings, please visit PLASTIK 2017: ‘EUGENE PALETTE’ 20.30 www.ifi.ie/accessible ACCESSIBLE SCREENING: PERSONAL SHOPPER* 20.40 † The exclusivity status of films is correct at time of going to print 27TH CINE-CONCERT: TORREY PINES 20.30 MON 28TH EVENING COURSE: MOSCOW DOES NOT 18.15 TUE BELIEVE IN TEARS TIMES BATMAN 70MM 18.20 29TH WILD STRAWBERRIES: EASTER PARADE 11.00 For a breakdown of times and dates of IFI New WED ACCESSIBLE SCREENING: PERSONAL SHOPPER* 13.00 Releases, IFI Docs & IFI Classics, check out our BATMAN 70MM 18.20 weekly schedule on www.ifi.ie/weekly-schedule 31ST WILD STRAWBERRIES: EASTER PARADE 11.00 or the IFI ads in The Irish Times on Fridays and FRI Saturdays. You can also sign up to receive our weekly ezine by joining at www.ifi.ie/signup.
4 MARCH 2017
CERTAIN RELEASE NEW WOMEN
OPENS MAR 3RD The interconnected lives of four a mother (Michelle Williams) is building disparate Montana women are explored a bespoke family home and has designs FILM INFO: across three vignettes in Kelly Reichardt’s on a stockpile of vintage sandstone 107 mins, 2016, USA, Digital (Wendy and Lucy, Meek’s Cutoff) bricks belonging to an elderly friend, Notes by David O’Mahony melancholic seventh feature. In adapting and, in the last segment, Jamie three short stories by Montana writer (Lily Gladstone) is a ranch hand working Maile Meloy, Reichardt has contrived in isolation through the harsh winter her own delicate connections between months who becomes infatuated the characters. with Beth (Kristen Stewart), a young lawyer teaching a night class that A lawyer (Laura Dern) attempts to divest Jamie stumbles upon. Reichardt’s visual herself of a malingering client lyricism and empathy for her characters (Jared Harris) with alarming results, is evident throughout. IN LOCO
PARENTIS DOC IFI
OPENS MAR 3RD Hidden just outside the town of Kells in the truth is they cannot go a day without Co. Meath is an enchanting, worn and them. Their kindness and inventiveness EXCLUSIVELY AT IFI† weathered country house now home to usher primary school-age children, Headfort, Ireland’s only boarding school hailing from around the world, through FILM INFO: for primary school children. patches of loneliness and homesickness. 100 mins, 2017, Ireland, Digital At its heart is a bemused elderly couple, Neasa Ní Chianáin (Fairytale of John and Amanda Leyden, who have Kathmandu, The Stranger) and David been teaching Maths, Literature, Rane quietly observe the eccentricities Latin and rock music with equal parts of the pair as they conduct their relaxed Q&A A post-screening Q&A with seriousness and silliness for almost pedagogical rituals and engage with the directors will take place on half a century. Although they pretend their bright pupils in an environment Saturday March 4th at 16.00. to dread their boisterous charges, of great mutual affection and respect.
5 MARCH 2017 TOMATO RED NEW RELEASE
OPENS MAR 3RD Oscar-nominated Irish director Juanita together in the Ozarks. He falls in Wilson’s second feature is an adaptation with Jamalee Merridew (Julia Garner, FILM INFO: of the novel longlisted in 2000 for what Grandma), who wants nothing more 112 mins, 2016, was then the International IMPAC than to escape her family, particularly Ireland-Canada, Digital Dublin Literary Award by ‘country noir’ mother Bev (Anna Friel), and the Notes by Kevin Coyne author Daniel Woodrell, whose work unavoidable reputation of the Merridew has previously been brought to the big name in order to make it in Hollywood. screen by Ang Lee with Ride with the Devil (1999) and Debra Granik Despite his initial doubts, Sammy comes Q&A with Winter’s Bone (2010). to share her dreams of a better future The 18.30 screening on before tragedy befalls the Merridews, Friday March 3rd will be Paroled from prison, Sammy and a terrible choice must be made. followed by a Q&A with (Jake Weary) tries to put a new life director Juanita Wilson. DANCER
IFI DOC
OPENS MAR 10TH In 2014 Ukrainian ballet superstar the sacrifices Polunin’s family made Sergei Polunin conceived a dance to to pay for his mounting expenses, FILM INFO: accompany Hozier’s hit song Take me which led ultimately to divorce and 85 mins, 2016, France- to Church; it was a sensation, estrangement that affected the Polunin Ukraine-UK-USA, Digital immeasurably broadening Polunin’s throughout his career. Notes by David O’Mahony popularity. Beginning with his impoverished childhood, Steven Cantor’s There will be Open Captioned (OC) documentary charts Polunin’s success screenings on Mar 11th (14.00) OPEN CAPTIONED at the Royal Ballet where, at age and Mar 15th (18.20). Audio Description nineteen, he became their youngest (AD) will be available on all screenings. lead performer, before self-destructive See page 2 for details of a special behaviour led to a public fall from grace. screening and performance on AUDIO DESCRIBED The emotional core of Cantor’s film lies in March 2nd.
6 ELLE RELEASE NEW
OPENS MAR 10TH A thrilling cocktail of sex, violence who is brutally raped in her home; and deliciously inappropriate humour, her alarmingly indifferent reaction FILM INFO: Paul Verhoeven’s Elle is by turns to the assault and disinterest in 131 mins, 2016, France, a mischievous, controversial and contacting the police speaks to her Digital, Subtitled profoundly serious work; a high-wire gradually revealed past. Notes by David O’Mahony act that blends subtlety, nuance, rich characterisation and intellectual A satisfying tangle of subplots involving complexity into its decidedly her son, mother, lover and ex-husband unconventional rape revenge enrich this knotty, wilfully provocative fantasy framework. character study that rejects classification IFI FILM CLUB and confounds expectation at every turn. Join us for a post-screening Isabelle Huppert plays Michèle, discussion of Elle on Thursday the head of a video games company 23rd March at 18.00.
THE RELEASE NEW OLIVE TREE
OPENS MAR 17TH 20-year-old Alma works on a chicken they set off on an adventure to farm in the economically deprived track it down. The quest to return EL OLIVO Castellón region of Spain. She has a the tree becomes a spiritual deep emotional bond with her beloved journey that will restore hope to EXCLUSIVELY AT IFI† grandfather, who has not spoken since their family and the region. her father sold the family’s ancient olive FILM INFO: 100 mins, 2016, Spain, tree. Alma believes the only way he can Following their 2010 collaboration Digital, Subtitled be saved is if they find the tree, replanted Even the Rain, director Icíar Bollaín Notes by Deirdre Quinlan somewhere in Europe, and bring it back and screenwriter Paul Laverty reunite FEAST YOUR EYES to its rightful spot in the family grove. once again to tell this poignant story Enjoy this film with a special of a vibrant, determined young woman main course on Mar 22nd at Persuading her uncle ‘Artichoke’, who refuses to let the past die. 18.45. Tickets €20. her workmate and friends to join her,
7 MARCH 2017 PERSONAL SHOPPER NEW RELEASE
OPENS MAR 17TH In the beguiling and elliptical anguish, her loneliness and alienation, Personal Shopper, Kristen Stewart plays in a performance of exquisite minutiae FILM INFO: Maureen, assistant to a global superstar, in this mysterious and haunting film. 105 mins, 2016, for whom she procures the finest haute France-Germany, Digital couture outfits. Maureen also side-lines There will be Open Captioned (OC) Notes by Kevin Coyne as a medium, focused on contacting her screenings on Mar 26th (20.40) and twin brother, who has recently died from March 29th (13.00). Audio Description a congenital heart defect she shares. (AD) will be available on all screenings. OPEN CAPTIONED Desperate to believe that he is reaching out to her too, she seeks signs in various events that unfold around her, which may or may not be of supernatural origin. AUDIO DESCRIBED Stewart beautifully conveys Maureen’s THE SALESMAN NEW RELEASE
OPENS MAR 17TH The latest from Oscar-winning Iranian currently engaged in a production of director Asghar Farhadi (About Elly, Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. FILM INFO: A Separation) is an expertly crafted 125 mins, 2016, Iran, domestic drama where precise Nearby, construction is causing their Digital, Subtitled plotting and escalating tension are apartment to become unstable, Notes by David O’Mahony deftly employed to underpin the moral forcing the couple to relocate temporarily dilemma at the film’s core. to a shabbier dwelling where they are interrupted one night by an unruly Rana and Emad Etesami (Taraneh stranger searching for the previous Alidoosti and Shahab Hosseini) have occupant. Violence soon erupts a comfortable middle-class life in with unforeseen consequences as the Tehran; they are also talented members scope of Farhadi's teasing narrative of a semi-professional theatre group, is gradually revealed.
8 AQUARIUS RELEASE NEW
OPENS MAR 24TH Director Kleber Mendonça Filho’s debut extension of her persona, the repository film,Neighboring Sounds (2012), dealt of her life’s work and memories, with EXCLUSIVELY AT IFI† with an entire Brazilian community; for stacks of photographs and her beloved Aquarius, his second feature, he has records filling every available space. FILM INFO: narrowed his focus to one endlessly 142 mins, 2016, Brazil, intriguing and contradictory character. However, Clara is the sole remaining Digital, Subtitled Notes by David O’Mahony occupant of the Aquarius, developers Retired music teacher Clara (Sonia Braga) having purchased the building for lives in the titular apartment building demolition and coaxed all other tenants in the coastal city of Recife, Brazil; an to sell up; steadfast in her refusal to initial flashback establishes she has lived leave, she engages in an escalating in the same apartment since the early battle of wits with the realtors. 1980s, and over time it has become an
THE EYES OF RELEASE NEW MY MOTHER
OPENS MARCH 24TH Nicolas Pesce’s strikingly atmospheric friend, the lonely little girl blinds The Eyes of My Mother successfully him and severs his vocal cords. EXCLUSIVELY AT IFI† evokes in the viewer a feeling of dread expectation, aided by a narrative that As an adult, after the death of her father, FILM INFO: deftly mixes implications and ambiguities, the bereft Francisca (the unsettling Kika 76 mins, 2016, USA, creating a gothic horror story that marks Magalhaes) continues to seek human Digital, Black and White Notes by Kevin Coyne one of the year’s most notable debuts. connection, although the traumas and isolation of her life to date have left her As a girl, Francisca is witness to her profoundly disturbed and unpredictable. mother’s brutal murder at the hands Beautifully shot in crisp chiaroscuro, of a passing stranger. Catching the man this is an intriguing and intimate film. in the act, her father imprisons him in their barn. Wishing to keep him as her
9 MARCH 2017 THE SECRET SCRIPTURE NEW RELEASE
OPENS MAR 24TH After an eclectic range of films in recent woman (Rooney Mara) in Sligo, years, Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, she met and fell in love with Michael FILM INFO: In America) returns to Irish themes McNulty (Jack Reynor), arousing the 108 mins, 2016, Ireland, Digital and material with this adaptation of jealousy of the local priest (Theo James), Notes by Kevin Coyne Sebastian Barry’s acclaimed novel. whose obsessive love for her led to The elderly Rose (the inimitable Vanessa her ruination. Redgrave) is the last patient remaining in a psychiatric hospital, firmly refusing to Directed with a sure hand, this is a transfer to another facility. touching and poignant story, with an undertow of anger at Rose’s treatment, Q&A The 20.15 screening on Dr. William Grene (Eric Bana) is called in, and that of so many women of her time. Friday March 24th will be and his sympathetic approach leads Rose followed by a Q&A with to recount the story of how, as a young director Jim Sheridan. THE AGE OF SHADOWS NEW RELEASE
OPENS MAR 31ST From the director of I Saw the Devil Jung-chool to his opposite number, the (2010), The Age of Shadows is a stylish charismatic Kim Woo-jin, and so begins MIL-JEONG spy thriller set against the backdrop of a battle of wits between the two men. the Japanese occupation of Korea in the EXCLUSIVELY AT IFI† 1920s. Lee Jung-chool is a Korean with Duplicity and intrigue abound as the the rank of captain in the Japanese- game of cat-and-mouse unfolds, building FILM INFO: 140 mins, 2016, South Korea, run police force. Tasked with capturing tension as characters’ motivations and Digital, Subtitled resistance leaders when intelligence agendas are constantly called into Notes by Kevin Coyne is received of a plot to smuggle question in this tense, gripping thriller explosives into the country, he is paired that also contains some bravura action with Japanese detective Hashimoto, set-pieces. who is deeply suspicious of his partner’s loyalties. The investigation leads
10 ALI: FEAR EATS CLASSIC IFI THE SOUL
OPENS MAR 31ST In Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s for Fassbinder to test ideas between remarkably prolific career, in which he the making of Martha and Effi Briest ANGST ESSEN SEELE AUF made forty feature films before his death (both also 1974). Inspired by German- at thirty-seven, Ali: Fear Eats the Soul born director Douglas Sirk’s Hollywood EXCLUSIVELY AT IFI† marked a significant turning point. melodramas, particularly All That Heaven It was the film for which the director first Allows (1955), Ali: Fear Eats the Soul FILM INFO: 93 mins, West Germany, received widespread international praise, depicts the tender but much derided 1974, Digital, Subtitled winning two awards at Cannes including relationship that develops between Notes by Alice Butler the coveted Critics’ Prize. Emmi, an elderly German cleaning lady (Brigitte Mira) and Ali, a considerably All the more impressive then that the younger Moroccan ‘guest worker’ film was made on a meagre budget in (El Hedi ben Salem) whom she meets at fifteen days, intended as an exercise a rundown Munich bar one rainy night.
GRADUATION RELEASE NEW
OPENS MARCH 31ST A father goes to extreme lengths to is assaulted and deemed unable to ensure his daughter’s academic success sit the final exam. Determined to BACALAUREAT in Cristian Mungiu’s (4 Months, 3 Weeks safeguard her life beyond Romania, and 2 Days, Beyond the Hills) excoriating Dr Aldea must enter into a queasy alliance FILM INFO: delineation of corruption and moral with police and education officials. 127 mins, 2016, Romania, compromise in modern Romania. Graduation is rigorous and unflinching in Digital, Subtitled Notes by David O’Mahony its depiction of a man’s moral downward Dr Romeo Aldea (Adrian Titieni) lives spiral. Mungiu favours long takes, a an unremarkable life in a humdrum dour visual palette, static cameras and provincial town. His daughter, Eliza naturalistic performances, an approach (Maria-Victoria Dragus), is offered a that lends compelling authenticity scholarship from a British university but to this pungent morality play. doubt is cast over her future when she
11 ARCHIVE AT LUNCHTIME Join us for free films from the IFI Irish Film Archive. Simply collect tickets at IFI Box Office. Programme One will screen on Mondays Amhrac Éireann Newsreel: Day Industrial St Patrick’s 1946 Parade throughout March. Programme Two will screen on Wednesdays throughout March and Saturdays will feature a double bill of both PROGRAMME 2 programmes – please see www.ifi.ie for times. AMHARC ÉIREANN NEWSREEL St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin 1960. ST. PATRICK’S DAZE FILM INFO: 4 mins, 1960, Ireland, Black and White Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn IRELAND IN SPRING PROGRAMME 1 TRIAL AT TARA An Tóstal, a series of festivals celebrating Irish culture in the 1950s, was designed to attract A short Hollywood drama where the people of Tara, tourists into the country in the springtime. all druids and non-believers, are pitted against President Seán T. O’Kelly opens the festival with St. Patrick and his followers. The film ends with an a float-filled parade in Dublin. The pageant of address (lasting approx. 7 mins) to camera by Rosary St. Patrick is presented in Croke Park, followed by Crusader Fr. Peyton. a colourful slate of events around the country. FILM INFO: 28 mins, 1953, Ireland, Black and White FILM INFO: 27 mins, 1957, Ireland
IRISH FOCUS FROM THE BETWEEN LAND VAULTS AND SEA ST. PATRICK’S MAR 5TH (16.00) CINE-CONCERT & MAR 7TH (18.30) MAR 18TH (14.00)
This observational feature embeds itself in a In celebration of St. Patrick’s Festival, we present community of surfers in Lahinch, Co. Clare, over the a programme of short silent films about St. Patrick course of a sea-buffeted year. They have dedicated and about the annual festivities that honour him. themselves to the ocean, consumed by its excitement The programme includes In the Days of Saint Patrick and beauty leading modest lives, growing their own / Aimsir Phádraig (1920), a film made in north food and eschewing the luxuries of city life. Co. Dublin reconstructing the life of St. Patrick with miracles, snakes, slave markets and an exciting Directed by Ross Whitaker (Saviours, Unbreakable), chariot race. The Irish Times called it a “remarkable who will participate in a Q&A following each historical picture…a wonder picture for children.” screening, and featuring breathtaking seascapes and mindblowing surfing, the film goes beyond Accompanied by Cormac de Barra, harpist the bluster of the typical adrenaline-fuelled surf film and Éamonn de Barra, whistle. in an immersive portrait of a people and a place. FILM INFO: 60 mins, 1920, Ireland, Black and White, FILM INFO: 90 mins, 2017, Ireland, Digital. Silent film with intertitles.
12 witnesses the murder of his parents, 70MM has devoted his life to fighting crime SCREENING under the guise of the vigilante Batman. An encounter with hood BATMAN Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson) leads to Napier’s reinvention as The Joker, who embarks on a campaign of MAR 28TH murder and chaos against Gotham & 29TH (18.20) City that must be stopped in Burton’s Gothic epic. DIRECTOR: Tim Burton’s Batman represented Tim Burton a seismic change in its serious Tickets €12/10. Free list suspended. FILM INFO: approach to a comic book character, 126 mins, 1989, USA, 70mm the success of which laid the Presented in association with Notes by Kevin Coyne groundwork for the ongoing success of similar adaptations. Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), who as a child
in which he was born, was brought CINE-CONCERT on a road trip across America by his TORREY PINES schizophrenic mother, who had done so without the knowledge of Clyde’s father, who then reported the child kidnapped. Subtle and moving, it’s also laced with humour, best exemplified by a scene in MAR 27TH (20.30) which the two attend a Whitney Houston concert. DIRECTOR: Animator and musician Clyde Clyde Petersen Petersen’s debut film is an The event will begin with a short FILM INFO: autobiographical stop-motion set from Dublin band Pillow Queens. 60 mins, 2016, USA, Digital animation which touches on issues Live accompaniment to the film Notes by Kevin Coyne of mental health and gender identity. will be provided by members of It recounts the time when 12-year-old Your Heart Breaks, Clyde Petersen’s Clyde, uncomfortable in the body musical collective. Tickets €10.
in 2015, finally getting a release INTERNATIONAL and its deserved critical acclaim – WOMEN’S DAY from Charles Burnett, Ashley Clark, Richard Brody, and A.O. Scott among LOSING GROUND others. Taking place over the course of a summer, Losing Ground follows philosophy lecturer Sara (Seret Scott) and her artist husband Victor (Bill MAR 8TH (18.30) Gunn) who decide to rent a house in upstate New York whereupon strains DIRECTOR: Screening to coincide with in the marriage soon begin Kathleen Collins International Women’s Day, to materialise. FILM INFO: Kathleen Collins’s Losing Ground 86 mins, 1982, USA, Digital was one of the first features to This screening will be introduced by Notes by Alice Butler be directed by a black American Dr Zélie Asava, Programme Director woman. Largely forgotten for the of Video and Film at Dundalk IT. last 35 years, the film resurfaced
13 lady Lina (Jean Hagen), whose off- THE BIGGER screen chemistry is very different PICTURE from that displayed onscreen, must adapt to the new technology of film SINGIN’ IN sound, with so little success in Lina’s case that she must be dubbed by THE RAIN newcomer Kathy (Debbie Reynolds). MAR 6TH (18.30) A love triangle and many iconic moments ensue in what is DIRECTORS: Although only a modest success when frequently cited as the greatest Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen first released, Singin’ in the Rain has musical ever made. FILM INFO: become one of the most enduring and 103 mins, USA, 1952, Digital beloved of musicals. Róise Goan, arts programmer and Notes by Kevin Coyne producer, will introduce the film. The film is set in the late 1920s, when stars Don (Gene Kelly) and leading
the natural surroundings, the animals IFI FAMILY and beautiful landscape. She tells him A SHINE OF ancient stories, including the selkie myth. Just when Tomás is beginning RAINBOWS to feel at home, tragedy strikes and he has to learn to cope with another new situation. MAR 19TH (11.00) This is a warm and touching story about family, friendship and the DIRECTOR: Tomás is a shy young lad who goes to natural world. Vic Sarin live with Máire and her husband Alec FILM INFO: in a wild coastal village. Tickets: €4.80 per person, €14.40 101 mins, 2009, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children, Canada-Ireland, 35mm There he has to adjust to a quiet, 1 adult + 3 children). Notes by Alicia McGivern rural way of life and make new friends. Máire teaches him about
she has heaps of her own talent and WILD style. Together they start to make STRAWBERRIES dance magic in wonderful sequences to memorable Irving Berlin tunes. EASTER ‘A Couple of Swells’, ‘A Fella with an PARADE Umbrella’, ‘Steppin’ Out with My Baby’ – they’re all here. Put on MAR 29TH your Easter bonnet and your dancing & 31ST (11.00) shoes, and join us for this classic MGM musical. DIRECTOR: Wild Strawberries is our Charles Walters bi-monthly film club for over 55s. Tickets: €4.25 including regular FILM INFO: tea/coffee before the event. 107 mins, 1948, USA, Digital When his dance partner quits, Wild Strawberries is our film club Notes by Alicia McGivern Don Hewes (Fred Astaire) picks for over 55s. If you happen to look Hannah (Judy Garland) and tries younger, please don’t take offence to mould her, until he realises if we ask your age.
14 PERIPHERAL VISIONS: MARCH 8TH – 22ND
John T. Davis is internationally recognised as a personal vision and poetic style that was to Northern Ireland’s most distinctive documentary characterise his work throughout his career. filmmaker and cinematographer. To mark his 70th His films have screened to great national and birthday on March 7th 2017, and in recognition of international acclaim, have secured many his over forty years of filmmaking, we present this distinguished awards and have been the subject selected retrospective of his work. of scholarly publications and articles. In recent years John has proven himself an accomplished lyricist John’s decidedly creative documentaries cover and performer of his unique brand of Western music, many subjects, but are drawn together by common and in 2016 he released two albums ‘Last Western threads: autobiography and self-portraiture through Cowboy’ and ‘Indigo Snow’. He was elected to the lives of others, journeying and the quest for Aosdána in 2005 in recognition of his contribution spiritual meaning, marginal places and outsiders, to the arts in Ireland. and music ranging from punk rock to gospel, western swing to dance hall reggae. Introduction and film notes by Kathleen McCracken. Born in Holywood, Co. Down in 1947, John showed On Wednesday March 22nd at 18.30 John T. Davis an early talent for technical design but went on to will be interviewed by broadcaster Vincent Woods. study painting at Belfast College of Art. The event will include a screening of his new The inheritance in 1974 of an 8mm camera from work-in-progress mshiikenhmnising. his uncle John McBride Neill enabled John to make his first film, the experimental Warhol/Reid- A multi-event pass is available for inflectedTransfer (1975). He began his professional Peripheral Visions – 4 films for €35. filmmaking career in 1977, and rapidly developed
15 PERIPHERAL VISIONS who catalysed Davis’s passion for THE UNCLE filmmaking. “Jack was like a second father to me, and when he died, he left JACK so much to me, his house, his inventions, his musical instruments, but most importantly, the 8mm camera that was to change my life forever.” ( ) MAR 8TH 18.30 Through a montage of dramatic reconstructions, abstract sequences, FILM INFO: The Uncle Jack is at once a portrait contemporary narrative and diverse 78 mins, 1996, of John T. Davis’s maternal uncle archival sources, Davis’s moving Northern Ireland, 35mm John McBride Neill, the Ulster cinema tribute to Jack is bound up with a architect who from the 1930s to the deeply personal statement about the 1960s designed eighteen cinemas in power of obsession and the drive the province, and a self-portrait of towards creativity. Davis himself. It was ‘The Uncle Jack’
the film effectively tells the story SHELLSHOCK of a teen rebellion that had nothing ROCK/ to do with the sectarian divide. SELF- Featuring Protex, the Undertones, Rudi, The Outcasts and Stiff Little Fingers, and CONSCIOUS Terri Hooley and a series of disarmingly OVER YOU articulate young Belfast punks. ( ) MAR 11TH 13.30 Self-Conscious Over You is a film of the Outcasts gig at the Ulster Hall SHELLSHOCK ROCK Shellshock Rock captures the bristling in April 1980 which inspired the FILM INFO: energy of the Northern Irish punk climactic sequence in recent feature 52 mins, 1979, Northern Ireland, Digital scene in the late 1970s. Mirroring the Good Vibrations (2012). rough aesthetic of the music – much SELF-CONSCIOUS OVER YOU FILM INFO: of the filming was done in dingy bars 40 mins, 1980, and music clubs and in Terri Hooley’s Northern Ireland, Digital Good Vibrations record shop –
“So many images and places which ROUTE 66 were important to me and my generation came from America, and I wanted to make a film comparing those images with reality,” says Davis.
The film features an anonymous ( ) sojourner driving west in a cherry-red MAR 11TH 15.30 Chevy Impala ragtop. Through his eyes and through Davis’s camera lens FILM INFO: Route 66 is an epic road film we encounter the underbelly of the 76 mins, 1989, chronicling the history and closure US and the shattering of the American Northern Ireland, Digital in 1981 of the iconic highway that Dream. The film has a strikingly spanned 2,500 miles from Chicago renewed resonance in the current to Los Angeles, traversed eight political climate. states and cut through the heart of Middle America.
16 PERIPHERAL VISIONS station and the Prison Officers’ Social POWER IN Club at the Maze Prison, where he speaks to the experience of many THE BLOOD/ people, but particularly the Protestant DUST ON working class people of faith. THE BIBLE Power In the Blood draws parallels ( ) between their religious beliefs and MAR 12TH 13.30 practices and those found in the American South, at the same time POWER IN THE BLOOD Gospel singer and preacher Vernon observing them with candour and FILM INFO: Oxford journeys from his home in sympathy. The film is a moving blend 76 mins, 1989, Northern Ireland, Digital Franklin, Tennessee to Belfast on a of songs, images and witness which mission to bring the healing power reveals a facet of Northern Irish life of Jesus back to Northern Ireland. too often excluded from mainstream Davis follows Vernon into drinking accounts of the province. dens, mission halls, a pirate radio
DUST ON THE BIBLE ‘get the dust off the Bible and FILM INFO: redeem their poor souls’, they are 52 mins, 1989, going to burn. Dust on the Bible Northern Ireland, Digital is a lyrical, visual poem about these Latter Day Prophets.
Focusing on Belfast’s charismatic street preachers and featuring an impassioned sermon from Pastor James McConnell, the film combines On the street corners, in the readings from The Book of Revelation tabernacles, at the cattle fairs and in with visual sequences of disturbing large convention centres, the people power and eerie beauty as it traces of Ulster are warned by pastors and the journey of a lonesome drifter preachers about the last days of the seeking salvation in the gospel halls Apocalypse. As the old country gospel of this ‘troubled godforsaken place’. song puts it, unless the people
a military engineer in Vietnam, HOBO then as a hobo riding the steel rails across the length and breadth of the United States. To make this remarkable film, Davis set off on a dangerous, illegal journey across America. Hiding his camera in his bedroll, ( ) he jumped trains and led the life of a MAR 14TH 18.30 hobo, sleeping rough and scavenging food from dumpsters. This daring, FILM INFO: Hobo is an intensely personal portrait visually exquisite film examines the 90 mins, 1991, of Beargrease, a man gripped with limits of human endurance, questions Northern Ireland, Digital chronic wanderlust. A fiercely the price of freedom and responsibility independent individual, he embodies and lays bare the thin thread by which the traits of the classic American our own reality hangs. railroad vagabond. Beargrease has travelled all his life, as a sailor,
17 EVENING COURSE FROM RUSSIA WITH FILM MAR 21ST – APR 25TH Notes by Alicia McGivern
With 2017 marking 100 years since wealth of filmmakers, some of whom A Six-Week Evening the Russian Revolution, our course have significantly influenced the art Course looking at looks at examples of Russian cinema of cinema itself. Eisenstein’s use of selected films from Russia’s rich film from the Soviet era through to montage, Tarkovsky’s long takes, history. March 21 glasnost, and today’s film production Sokurov’s poetic themes; the cinema – April 25. under Putin. of Russia has produced challenging, visionary work. TICKETS Filmmaking in Russia dates from €70 (including tea/coffee) 1896, a recording of Tsar Nicholas’s The course will run on consecutive for complete course coronation shot by a Lumière Tuesdays, commencing at 18.30 (concessions €65). Please book your place by calling Sharon cameraman. Since then, Russian unless otherwise stated. Order of Corrigan on 01 679 5744 or cinema has evolved alongside distinct screenings may vary slightly. email [email protected]. historic upheavals, and yielded a Film tickets not sold separately.
MOSCOW DOES NOT IVAN THE TERRIBLE (PART I) BELIEVE IN TEARS IVAN GROZNYY MOSKVA SLEZAM NE VERIT MAR 21ST (18.30) MAR 28TH (18.15)
Eisenstein’s biopic of the bloody autocratic ruler Winner of the Best Foreign Film Oscar (1981), who sought to unite the country against powerful this romantic comedy follows three young women hereditary boyars. Having already incurred the in 1950s Moscow. Lyudmila is the flirt; Antonina authorities’ disapproval, Eisenstein’s depiction of is the motherly type; Katya is a chemistry student Ivan as a Russian hero, with sumptuous sets and an working at a factory. By 1979, the three are still expressive acting style, won him the Stalin prize. friends and together take on new challenges.
Justin Doherty, Assistant Professor in Russian at TCD, Dr Ruth Barton will discuss real-life and cinematic will offer an introduction to the cinema of Russia. representations of young Soviet women.
DIRECTOR: Sergei M. Eisenstein DIRECTOR: Vladimir Menshov FILM INFO: 103 mins, 1945, Soviet Union, 35mm, Subtitled FILM INFO: 140 mins, 1980, Soviet Union, 35mm, Subtitled
18 THE COMMISSAR NIGHT WATCH KOMISSAR NOCHNOY DOZOR APR 4TH (18.30) APR 11TH (18.30)
This civil war film was shelved until glasnost saw This high-octane, hit fantasy thriller pits post its release in 1988. It concerns pregnant Red Army glasnost Muscovites battling forces of dark and light. commissar Klavdia, who moves in with a Russian- Borrowing liberally from The Matrix and Star Wars, Jewish family. A harmonious communal life ensues, its Russian sensibility remains evident among the till the encroaching world war places the Jewish wheeling camera shots and death metal soundtrack. family in danger. Dr Aidan Power will consider European science Dr Judith Devlin will discuss life for artists fiction and how films such as this have interpreted and censorship restrictions in Soviet times. the Hollywood model for a local audience.
DIRECTOR: Aleksandr Askoldov DIRECTOR: Timur Bekmambetov FILM INFO: 110 mins, 1967, Soviet Union, 16mm, Subtitled FILM INFO: 109 mins, 2004, Russia, Blu-Ray, Subtitled
LEVIATHAN HIPSTERS LEVIAFAN STILYAGI APR 18TH (18.30) APR 25TH (18.30)
Award-winning drama that draws on Biblical 1950s Moscow and the hipsters are at war with themes and life in contemporary Russia. Young Communist League squares. Mels toes line Director Zvyagintsev offers a flawed hero, Kolya, till he meets rebellious Polly, buys a sax and learns who seeks to save his home from the corrupt local to boogie, in this madcap fantasy of youth rebellion. mayor. Symbolic and beautiful state-of-the-nation cinema from this contemporary auteur. Justin Doherty will talk about Russian filmmaking today, looking at the changing nature of Russian Retired international editor of The Irish Times society and the legacy of the Soviet past. and Moscow correspondent, Seamus Martin, will consider life in Russia today. DIRECTOR: Valeriy Todorovskiy FILM INFO: 125 mins, 2008, Russia, Blu-Ray, Subtitled DIRECTOR: Andrey Zvyagintsev FILM INFO: 140 mins, 2014, Russia, Digital, Subtitled 19 IFI & PLASTIK FESTIVAL OF ARTISTS’ MOVING IMAGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IFI, LUX Crossroads (1976) AND TEMPLE BAR GALLERY + STUDIOS Bruce Conner Bruce
Welcome to the second edition of PLASTIK Festival with many PLASTIK guests in attendance of Artists’ Moving Image – a festival devoted including Erika Balsom, Ann Hirsch, Yuri Pattison, entirely to artists working with the moving image. James Richards and Mark Toscano.
With films by over forty artists and filmmakers, PLASTIK emerges from a collaboration between PLASTIK brings international and Irish work LUX, the Irish Film Institute and Temple Bar together to form a distinct programme, much of Gallery + Studios and is made possible through which will be screening in Ireland for the first time. the generous support of the Arts Council.
All festival screenings take place at the IFI. A series For full details of the programme of talks, discussions and performances will also see www.plastikfestival.com. take place at Temple Bar Gallery + Studios (TBG+S),
works allow themselves to fall into the ABYSS vertiginous pleasure of unknowing, of FILM uncomprehending, of looking into an (2016) abyss.” – James Richards
Curated by artist James Richards, this programme includes the MAR 24TH (18.30) exclusive opportunity to view his James Richards & Leslie James Crossing Thornton recent collaborative work with CURATED BY: “Abyss Film presents five found Leslie Thornton, Crossing (2016). James Richards footage works that in different ways speak to the impossibility of cinema’s A special post-screening talk between FILM INFO: the artist and Benjamin Cook (LUX) 60 mins desire to show the 'whole world’. Speaking of the breadth of possibility will take place at partner venue made visible by moving image, these Temple Bar Gallery + Studio at 20:00.
20 IFI & PLASTIK FESTIVAL
critical thought relating to technology, A FLIGHT history, visions of power and the future. Arguably, that future is now.” FROM – Yuri Pattison. REASON This programme presents a provocative and unique insight into the LUX collection MAR 25TH (12.00) curated by Irish-born, UK-based artist This Frenkel Is Your Vera Messiah Speaking (1990) Yuri Pattison, featuring works by Adam CURATED BY: “Negotiating an archive is an act of Chodzko, Bureau of Inverse Technology, Yuri Pattison looking back, inevitably – and perhaps and The Otolith Group. FILM INFO: even unconsciously – the searcher 106 mins seeks out content that can help reveal A panel discussion with PLASTIK guests, the present with a more concrete ‘Curating the Moving Image’, will follow perspective. The works selected from this at partner venue Temple Bar Gallery LUX's archive form a strand of + Studio at 14:00.
approaches to engaging with spaces VERTICAL that reveal and conceal human, material, and ecological histories.”
LANDSCAPES (2016) – Sasha Litvintseva. Selected by artist/curator Sasha Litvintseva, this programme MAR 25TH (16.00) offers intriguing connections Sasha Litvintseva & Graeme Sasha Litvintseva Arnfield Asbestos between divergent landscapes and CURATED BY: “From extraction to domesticity, histories that explore post-industrial Sasha Litvintseva from East Germany to Asbestos, environments within their own terms. FILM INFO: Quebec, from the Walter Benjamin 74 mins monument to Columbus’s first A unique performance by LA based encounter with the Taíno: the films in artist Ann Hirsch will take place at this programme utilise performative, 20:30 in a venue to be announced rather than representational, on www.plastikfestival.com
Comprising works by Caroline Doolin, PLASTIK Teresa Gillespie, Patrick Hough, Atoosa Pour Hosseini and Saoirse AWARD Wall, this programme demonstrates the wide range of approaches to the medium, offering a diverse perspective on contemporary moving MAR 26TH (12.30) image practice. Saoirse Wall Sticky Encounters (2016)
CURATED BY: PLASTIK is pleased to present The final winner, selected by PLASTIK the second edition of the new work guest curators, will be announced on Sunday evening, March 26th. FILM INFO: award, highlighting an emerging 45 mins generation of Irish artists engaging with the moving image.
21 IFI & PLASTIK FESTIVAL
combines discarded VHS footage ANDRE and prosumer technology, with the premise of the out-take or rehearsal, TRILOGY (2015) and explores stereotypes and assumptions within contemporary society. We are delighted to have James Kienitz Wilkins in attendance MAR 26TH (14.00) for this screening. James James Kienitz Wilkins B-ROLL with Andre
CURATED BY: PLASTIK is pleased to feature the work ‘The Moving Image as Limited Edition’, PLASTIK of New York based artist and filmmaker a presentation by writer and critic Erika FILM INFO: James Kienitz Wilkins. Wilkins’s moving Balsom, will take place at partner venue 61 mins image works foreground performance Temple Bar Gallery + Studio at 16:00. with an accomplished use of language and script. Operating in the annals of film and film production, Andre Trilogy
often be a refreshing component in IS IT ABOUT a cinematic mode. This programme explores a particular, eclectic approach A BICYCLE? to humour in artists’ films, in which the mechanics of the medium itself play some role in the articulation of comedy and meaning. MAR 26TH (18.00) Mariah Garnett Signal (2012) Guest curated by filmmaker, curator CURATED BY: Humour is difficult to do well in art. and film preservationist Mark Toscano Mark Toscano It takes many forms and approaches, (USA), this programme features a FILM INFO: and there are countless attempts and diverse range of works by artists 75 mins examples; some of them exhilarating, including Karissa Hahn, Dean Snider, some of them stupid, some of them Gus Van Sant and Lori Felker. even exhilaratingly stupid. In so-called experimental film, humour can
of film, the medium itself, gives us ‘EUGENE access to a different understanding (2012) and appreciation of time. PALETTE’ This idea is supported by works like Bruce Conner’s seminal Crossroads (screening here from a 35mm print) which shifts us out of conventional MAR 26TH (20.30) patterns and rhythms. Rather than The Time That That Remains Time The accept this privileged relationship CURATED BY: ‘Eugene Palette’ is a programme as a given, we test it by seeing how aemi of works guest curated for it differs from the digital artefacts FILM INFO: PLASTIK by ‘aemi’ (Alice Butler of Soda_Jerk’s The Time That 67 mins and Daniel Fitzpatrick). Remains, or the VHS scans that haunt the Scratch works included Throughout cinema’s history many here by The Duvet Brothers and have suggested that the presence John Scarlett Davis.
22 23 GARANCE MARILLIER ELLA RUMPF RABAH NAÏT OUFELLA
24 /UniversalPicturesIreland IN CINEMAS APRIL 7