By Jennifer McShane
04th Dec 2020
04th Dec 2020
It has been a long year for the arts sector, who like so many sectors, has been hit especially hard during the pandemic. As we emerge from lockdown and cinemas open their doors once again, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland has released a new trailer Escape to the Cinema showcasing new Irish films arriving in cinemas over the coming weeks and months. Here’s a glimpse of what we have to look forward to
Whether it is new worlds, exploring our shared past, or diving into the ups and downs of our musical icons – there is a story to be told and an escape for everyone (what films do best). Ultimately, at the heart of all of these films is the incredible artistry and craft from Irish filmmakers and creative talent – and never has there been a year to embrace and support it more.
As Irish cinemas reopen nationwide this month, six distinct and original Irish films will be released throughout December, showcasing the diverse and eclectic range of Irish stories on-screen available for audiences to choose from. Here’s what you have to look forward to before the year is out:
Wolfwalkers
Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart’s Wolfwalkers is the Cartoon Saloon-produced animated adventure that has received almost unanimous critical acclaim since its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this September. The film has been widely tipped to be in the running for Best Animated Feature Film at the Academy Awards next year, with critics calling it “the best animated film of the year.”
Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan
Julien Temple’s documentary chronicles the turbulent and unruly life of the punk-folk icon and leader of The Pogues. Winning the Jury Prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival in October, this will be one to watch.
Out now
A Girl From Mogadishu
Mary McGuckian’s profoundly powerful A Girl From Mogadishu based on the true story of global gender-based violence activist, Ifrah Ahmed is an absolute must-see. Starring Aja Naomi King as Ifrah Ahmed, Barkhad Abdi and Orla Brady, it follows the activist’s journey from war-torn Somalia to the United States where she is trafficked to Dublin, and her extraordinary emergence as a formidable campaigner against Female Genital Mutilation around the world.
Related: A Girl From Mogadishu: ‘Ifrah shared her story for all women’
Out now
Two by Two: Overboard!
This Galway-produced animated feature is a sequel to the 2015 family adventure retelling the story of Noah’s ark. Two by Two: Overboard! was initially released in October in the UK, where the film topped the UK box office, a remarkable achievement for an Irish film and a particularly significant achievement in light of COVID-19 challenges, the film’s sound and picture post-production completed under lockdown in Ireland.
Out now
The Racer
Kieron J. Walsh’s The Racer is the cycling drama following a ‘Domestique’ support rider on the Irish portion of the infamous 1998 Tour de France, also known as the ‘Tour du Dopage’. Due to premiere at SXSW, which was cancelled due to COVID-19, the film received strong reviews on its Irish Premiere at the 65th Cork International Film Festival.
Released Friday, December 11th
Songs For While I’m Away
The highly anticipated Phil Lynott documentary Songs For While I’m Away from Emmy Award-winning director Emer Reynolds is “a sweet, sad trip down memory lane”. Following the life and music of the legendary Thin Lizzy frontman, the documentary tells the story of how a young black boy from working-class 1950s Dublin became Ireland’s greatest rock star.
Released Saturday, 26th December
Related: A Girl From Mogadishu: ‘Ifrah shared her story for all women’
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