MEDIA Films News July 2023

We also highlight films showing in independent cinemas and cinema clubs that are part of the Europa Cinemas network as well as films supported by other Creative Europe and EU initiatives such as Eurimages Cinema Fund, European Film Promotion, the European Film Awards, European Cinema Night and the LUX Audience Award. The Irish members of Europa Cinemas include:

• IFI, Dublin
• Triskel Arts Centre, Cork
• Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin
• Palás, Galway
• Access Cinema Network of regional cinema clubs
• Volta VOD online
• MyCinema.ie is an EU-supported platform, operated by access>CINEMA Ireland, on which you can you can rent a curated selection of the best world cinema & live events on demand.

CLOSE IS THE WINNER OF 2023 LUX AUDIENCE AWARD

CLOSE by Belgian director Lukas Dhont won the 2023 Lux Audience Award on 27th June 2023. CLOSE explores themes of friendship, intimacy and queer youth, said: 'We stand by you as you. Discover who you are as you are. We think of you, we are hopeful and proud of you.'

Watch European Film Academy's interview with Dhont in which he elaborates on the relationship between the two main characters in his film CLOSE. You can watch CLOSE here on MUBI and on other VOD platforms.

Galway Film Fleadh | 11 - 16 July

With new Irish Cinema, award winning World Cinema, short films, panels, discussions, and masterclasses, the 35th edition of the Galway Film Fleadh will bring powerful, moving, funny and provocative storytelling from both emerging and renowned filmmakers to Galway in July.

The Fleadh will feature 21 World Premieres, 6 European Premieres and 60 Irish Premieres from 43 countries, featuring 95 feature films in total.

Highlights include:

• Advance screening of Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s, The Miracle Club with Maggie Smith, Kathy Bates and Laura Linney
• World Premieres of Irish films, Apocalypse Clown, Lies We Tell, The Martini Shot, Face Down, Verdigris and Made In Dublin
• Irish premiere of acclaimed debut film, Past Lives with director Céline Song in attendance
• Irish premiere of the winner of the Golden Bear at Berlinale, On The Adamant from director Nicholas Philibert.

The full programme for Galway Film Fleadh is available here and tickets are on sale now! The Galway Film Fair industry event is supported by Creative Europe MEDIA.

LA SYNDICALISTE | Screening now in IFI Dublin, Triskel Arts Centre | Coming soon to access>CINEMA Ireland network

The true story of Irishwoman Maureen Kearney (Isabelle Huppert), head trade union representative of a French multinational nuclear powerhouse who turns whistle-blower. Based on the book 'La Syndicaliste' by investigative journalist Caroline Michel-Aguirre, the film tells the story of how Kearney takes on a nuclear company and makes some very powerful enemies in the process. LA SYNDICALISTE is distributed by access>CINEMA in Ireland with Creative Europe MEDIA support.

• Irish Film Institute, until 13th July
• Triskel Arts Centre, 2nd - 5th July
• Keep an eye on access>CINEMA’s news for more screenings in their network of film clubs and arts centres over the coming months.

THE DAMNED DON'T CRY | Triskel Arts Centre, 23 - 26 July

Directed by Fyzal Boulifa, follows Fatima-Zahra (Aicha Tebbae), an independent woman, and her son Selim (Abdellah El Hajjouji). Living a mostly nomadic life, they rely on various kinds of hustling to survive until scandal forces them to flee. They try to start a new life in Tangier with Selim now of age to start acting as a breadwinner but find themselves caught up with people who try to exploit them. Supported by Eurimages funding.

YOUNG PLATO | IFI@Home

YOUNG PLATO is an observational documentary set in post conflict Belfast’s Ardoyne, where a marginalised working class community has been plagued by poverty, drugs and guns. It's also a portrait of headmaster, Kevin McArevey, and his visionary team who empower primary school children to see beyond the boundaries and limitations of their own community.

Made by Declan McGrath and Neasa Ní Chianáin, the documentary was supported in development by MEDIA Slate Funding awarded to Soilsiú Films.

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE | Volta VOD

Directed by Céline Sciamma. In 18th century France, painter Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is commissioned by an affluent countess to paint the wedding portrait of her sheltered but headstrong daughter Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), in the hope it will find her a wealthy husband.

While posing as her hired companion, Marianne is instructed to complete the portrait in secret, observing Héloïse by day and painting her by night. However, as the two women grow closer, their intimacy and attraction begins to blossom, paving the way for a simmering, star-crossed romance.

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE is the first female-directed film to win the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival, where it also won the Best Screenplay award.

SILLY SUNDAYS | Animated series on RTÉ from Cartoon Saloon

Created by Oscar-nominated producer Nuria González Blanco (Late Afternoon), the new Cartoon Saloon animated series, Silly Sundays, follows cousins Sonia, Hugo and Mel on their unexpected adventures at their family get-togethers.

Read an interview here on the RTÉ website with producer Nuria González Blanco who says that the series was developed with 'Aya Caspi, a specialist in non-violent communication. There is a balanced power dynamic between all members of the family, the rich learning flows from the play in an organic way and laughter is the key ingredient! Laughter helps build relationships and creates meaningful memories.'

Silly Sundays was supported in development by Creative Europe MEDIA funding and is available on RTÉjr and RTÉ Player.