“That They May Face the Rising Sun is a true gem of a film. On the one hand is the breathtaking scenery and captivating cinematography but on the other is the script based on McGahern’s unique work as an Irish writer. He broke the mould of Irish writing in the 1960’s and prepared the way for writers like Roddy Doyle and even Sally Rooney to talk about the underbelly of Irish life,” Festival Director, Dr Enda Murray commented. The film centres around Joe and Kate Ruttledge who leave London to settle in a small lakeside community in Ireland, close to Joe’s childhood home. The film beautifully portrays the loneliness and isolation of country life, while also capturing the subtle joys found in the monotony of daily routines.There are fabulous performances by Barry Ward and Anna Bederke as well as appearances from Irish screen legends, such as Lalor Roddy, Sean McGinley and Brendan Conroy. Director Tom Collins, who made a documentary about John McGahern in 2005—just a year before the writer’s death—was a fitting choice to bring McGahern’s novel to life on screen.

“This year’s Irish Film Festival offers an outstanding selection of films, showcasing the very best of Irish cinema. I’m delighted to continue our hybrid festival model, bringing these compelling stories to audiences in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra, while also making the program accessible online. Our lineup highlights powerful themes, with a special focus on music and important women’s issues, including domestic violence and abuse,” Dr Murray commented.