“This year we want to celebrate 10 years of showcasing the very best of Irish cinema to Australian audiences. From humble beginnings in 2015 the festival has grown to this year screening in 5 cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra. We are also maintaining the accessible online festival which brings Irish film to every corner of this vast and wonderful land.” Festival Director, Dr Enda Murray commented.

The 2024 festival will showcase a total of 16 films and documentaries from Ireland. This includes one World premiere and 12 Australian premieres. The festival will screen in cinemas in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra from 17 October – 24 November and online across Australia from 17 October – 3 November. 7 of the films are cinema only, 6 are cinema and online and 3 are online only.  Among the highlights this year are the opening night film and Australian Premiere of Pat Collins’, That They May Face the Rising Sun, based on the internationally acclaimed, award-winning novel by Irish author John McGahern, which captures the essence of nature, humanity, and the rhythms of life in a rural Irish community in the 1980s.

“The twin focus of this year’s festival is music and women’s issues, including domestic violence and abuse. We’re excited to showcase films like ‘Farewell to Hughes,’ where Brendan Gleeson explores Dublin’s legendary pub scene, and ‘Ó Bhéal,’ featuring the new wave of Irish musicians blending tradition with innovation. On women’s rights, we highlight powerful stories like, ‘The Guards – Domestic Violence,’ documenting Ireland’s first conviction for coercive control, and ‘Stolen,’ which sheds light on the country’s painful history of forced mother and baby separations.” Dr Murray commented.

This year’s program features an eclectic mix of dramas, thought-provoking documentaries, horrors, and a family-friendly animation. Several directorial debuts are included in the program, such as Claire Dix who directs Sunlight and Patricia Kelly who directs Verdigris. Among the standout selections are numerous award-winning films, such as That They May Face the Rising Sun, which won Best Film at the 2024 Irish Film and Television Awards and Best Feature Film Avant-Garde and Genre at the 2024 Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema. Other notable winners include A Greyhound of a Girl, awarded Best Animation Feature Film at the 2023 Chicago International Children’s Film Festival; Dance First, winner of Best Single Drama at the 2024 Celtic Media Festival; Lie of the Land, honoured as Best Irish First Feature at the 2023 Galway Film Fleadh; Tarrac!, which took home Best Cinematography in an Irish Feature at the 2022 Galway Film Fleadh; and Verdigris,celebrated as Best Independent Film at the 2023 Galway Film Fleadh and Best Feature Film at the 2023 Irish Film Festival London.

In Farewell to Hughes’s, a documentary about traditional Irish music, we see a different side of Oscar-nominated actor Brendan Gleeson. While he played a musician in his award-winning performance in The Banshees of Inisherin, Gleeson is also an accomplished fiddle player, having played Irish traditional music since his teens. In his exclusive Q&A interview with the Irish Film Festival he says, “Irish music is everywhere in the world now. When I started 30 years ago, I used to go to the States and bring my music with me on a little iPod. Now when I go to the USA there are Irish music sessions everywhere. So many people are accessing Irish music now, I think it has a great future!”. “10 years of the Irish Film Festival in Australia is a great achievement. Like Irish cinema itself, the festival keeps things fresh; throws up undiscovered gems and brings new films to new audiences.This year’s very strong line-up has films you have heard about and some that will surprise you. Go see, go discover, go enjoy.” Irish Ambassador to Australia, Tim Mawe commented.

Don’t miss the Irish Film Festival Opening Nights in each city, which will kick off with a Gala reception featuring complimentary drinks and live Irish music. Audiences will also have exclusive behind-the-scenes access to films via our Q&A sessions between Festival Director, Dr Enda Murray and a selection of our films’ Directors and cast.

FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAM 

That They May Face the Rising Sun (Cinema only)

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 but also some appearances from legends of Irish screen such as Lalor Roddy, Sean McGinley and Brendan Conroy.

Verdigris (Cinema only)

Trapped in marriage with a controlling husband, middle-aged, middle-class Marian takes on a secret part-time job as a census enumerator. On her tough inner-city route, she faces dismissive and sometimes hostile locals who refuse to engage in the census. This includes brash teenager Jewel, who Marian soon realises is an abandoned sex worker living alone with no real means of supporting herself. Marian strikes a deal with Jewel – she won’t report her to the authorities if Jewel helps to get the locals to fill out their census forms. What follows is an unlikely friendship with big life changes for both women.

Dance First (Cinema only)

A biographical drama chronicling the life of Samuel Beckett, from his formative years in Paris to his struggles with fame and personal relationships later in life. The film delves into Beckett’s complex personality, exploring his regrets, his dealings with fame and the emotional turmoil he experienced after winning the Nobel Prize in 1969. Through intimate portrayals, “Dance First” offers a glimpse into the inner world of this literary giant.

Tarrac! (Pull!) (Cinema and online)

In this poignant Irish drama, Aoife returns to her picturesque Kerry home to care for her father after a heart attack. Amidst their reconnection, the lingering silence about her late mother weighs heavily on both. Drawn back into the exhilarating world of currachracing, Aoife’s suppressed grief resurfaces as the big race approaches. “Tarrac” is a captivating exploration of family, loss, and the journey towards healing.

All You Need is Death (Cinema only)

A young couple, entwined in a clandestine society, embarks on a nocturnal quest for forbidden knowledge hidden in ancient melodies. Their pursuit leads them to a mysterious woman who recites songs containing the secrets of a forgotten curse. But as they unlock the door to the past, they unwittingly awaken an ancient evil, plunging them into a terrifying dance with madness. This chilling tale explores the allure of mythology and the devastating consequences of tampering with forces beyond comprehension.

The Guards – Domestic Violence (Cinema only)

This powerful documentary unveils the often unseen and insidious world of coercive control, a form of domestic abuse that leaves no visible scars but shatters lives. In a year when NSW has criminalised coercive control, Ireland’s police force, the Guards, secured their first-ever conviction for this offense, sending a clear message: coercive control is a crime, and justice will be served. Directed by Sydney-based Irish filmmaker Shauna Keogh, the film aims to raise awareness, ignite crucial conversations, and inspire survivors to break free from the cycle of abuse.

A Greyhound of a Girl (Cinema only)

Embark on a magical journey through time and memory in this enchanting tale. When 12-year-old Mary’s grandmother faces her final days, the ghost of her great-grandmother appears, leading them on an extraordinary road trip. “A Greyhound of a Girl” is a heartwarming celebration of family bonds, the power of storytelling, and the enduring spirit of love. The film is an adaptation of a Roddy Doyle story and features the voices of Sharon Horgan, Brendan Gleeson and the legend of Irish comedy Rosaleen Linehan.

Farewell to Hughes’s (Cinema and online)

Join Oscar-nominated actor Brendan Gleeson in this Australian premiere as he bids a poignant farewell to Hughes’s, a cherished Dublin pub that served as a haven for traditional Irish music for over 35 years. Through intimate interviews and captivating archival footage, this documentary captures the essence of this iconic venue, showcasing the musicians, dancers, and singers who made it a cultural landmark. “Farewell to Hughes” is a heartfelt celebration of the enduring power of music and community, reminding us of the irreplaceable role that pubs like Hughes’s play in shaping Ireland’s cultural identity.

Stolen (Cinema and online)

Uncover the harrowing truth behind Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes in this powerful documentary. “Stolen” gives voice to the survivors of a system that subjected unmarried mothers and their children to forced separation, adoption, and systemic abuse. Witness their courage as they recount their experiences, demanding accountability and exposing a shameful chapter in Irish history. This film is a vital call for justice and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Directed by veteran Derry filmmaker Margo Harkin.

Sunlight (Cinema and online)

A poignant story of friendship and mortality, “Sunlight” follows Leon, a recovering addict, as he discovers his mentor, Iver, attempting to end his life. Determined to reignite Iver’s will to live, Leon embarks on a final road trip filled with laughter, shared memories, and Viking-themed jokes. Their journey explores the complexities of assisted death, culminating in a bittersweet ending that will leave you questioning the boundaries of love and compassion.

Lie of the Land (Cinema and online)

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of rural Ireland, “Lie of the Land” weaves a suspenseful tale of an aging farming couple teetering on the edge of financial ruin. Desperate to save their farm and their legacy, they make a fateful pact with a mysterious stranger, setting off a chain of events that will test their resilience and their morality.  This gripping drama explores the themes of desperation, sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to protect what they hold dear, with a thrilling climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Ó Bhéal (Verballed) (Cinema and online)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Irish hip-hop and electronic music from the acclaimed new wave of Irish musicians including Limerick rapper ‘Strange Boy’ and Kildare native Fehdah who mixes sean nós with her ancestral West African rhythms.This documentary celebrates the power of language, cultural identity, and creative expression, revealing how these artists are forging a new path for Irish music and challenging traditional boundaries.

It’s a Fine Thing to Sing (Online only)

We fall into the timeless beauty of traditional Donegal songs in this captivating documentary. Renowned musicians Ian Lynch, Ye Vagabonds, and The Henry Girls breathe new life into these cherished melodies, their voices intertwined with the stunning landscapes of Inishowen. “It’s a Fine Thing to Sing” is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of folk music and the rich cultural heritage of this unique region.

 

The Stunning: We Come Alive (Online only)

Celebrate 30 years of music and memories with iconic Irish rock band The Stunning in this electrifying concert film. Experience the raw energy and passion of their live performance as they revisit their chart-topping hits and share the stories behind their music. “We Come Alive” is a testament to The Stunning’s enduring popularity and their profound impact on the Irish music scene, reminding us why they remain a beloved fixture in the hearts of fans across generations.

 

The Building and Burning of a Refugee Camp (Online only)

This impactful documentary offers a raw and intimate look at the plight of three asylum seekers in Dublin, caught between a hostile asylum system and escalating far-right extremism. Witness their resilience as they build a makeshift home and community, only to face a devastating attack. “The Building and Burning of a Refugee Camp” is a powerful call for compassion and action, urging viewers to stand in solidarity with refugees and challenge the systems that perpetuate their suffering.

 

The Continental Céilí (Cinema and online)

World Premiere of the short documentary, “The Continental Céilí”. This film follows a diverse group of global musicians (including just one Irishman) who bring a fresh, dynamic twist to Irish traditional music. Directed by Dr. Enda Murray and produced by the Irish Film Festival team, the documentary explores Australian identity through a prism of music.