Dublin Film festival tickets in hot demand
Tickets are in hot demand for a host of Irish films set to premiere at the Jameson Dublin International Film festival, it has emerged tonight.
Film lovers are in for a treat as the world premiere of the Irish-made The Mighty Celt is set to kick off the 10-day festival this week.
Organisers are confident that the Dublin premiere of an Oscar nominated film, Hotel Rwanda, from Northern Ireland’s Terry George will also shine out among the 100 screenings.
George, who was previously nominated for In the Name of the Father, will attend the screening of Hotel Rwanda which is in the running for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and the Best Original Screenplay Oscars.
Hotel Rwanda, which was a late addition to the programme, is based on the true tale of the heroic actions of one man risking his life to save thousands during the Rwandan massacre.
Organisers of the third Jameson Dublin International Festival, which kicks off on February 11 next, said that tickets are selling 25% faster than last year.
“They are selling really well,” a spokesman said. “The Mighty Celt is one of the top five films.”
Thousands of people are expected to attend the festival with over 100 films from 34 countries screening at locations across the capital over the 10 days.
The festival will open in Dublin’s Savoy Theatre on Friday next with The Mighty Celt, which was written and directed by Belfast man Pearse Elliot.
Elliot scripted a box-office cracker last year in the comedy, Man About Dog.
The Mighty Celt, which stars Robert Carlyle from Trainspotting, Gillian Anderson of X-Files fame and newcomer Tyrone McKenna, follows the story of a west Belfast schoolboy and his love of greyhounds.
Elliot and McKenna are set to attend the festival. Other confirmed guests include Michael Winterbottom, Kieran O’Brien and producer Andrew Eaton of the controversial 9 songs.
Other high profile visitors include Golden Globe winner Julie le Brocquy for Story Undone, Terry Loane for Mickeybo & Me and Hamish McAlphine for 21 Years of Tartan.
The new Irish feature films playing will include the premiere of Fintan Connolly’s second feature, The Trouble With Sex, and Mickeybo & Me.
These films are set for release in Irish cinemas next month.
Capital Letters, which is Ciaran O’Connor’s story of a young immigrant’s struggle to survive in modern Dublin, is also set to screen.
Some of the Irish Film Board-backed shorts will be given a special screening including Peter Foott's award-winning black comedy The Carpenter and His Clumsy Wife.
The annual film from Woody Allen which will screen on St Valentine’s Day is the romantic comedy, Melinda and Melinda, featuring Will Ferrell, Jonny Lee Miller and Chloe Sevigny.
Other festival favourites include Oscar nominated Kinsey and House of Flying Daggers.
The first film to sell out was Todd Solondz’s Palindromes – The Mighty Celt, Millions, 9 Songs and the surprise film on the schedule are all close to full.
Most of the tickets have already been snapped up for the Wes Anderson film, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, starring Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett and Anjelica Huston, which is set to close the festival on February 20.
:: Tickets are available from the Festival Box Office at 01 8721122.
