Tralee Library to screen the excellent Ballymun Library as part of Bealtaine Festival on Thursday 17th May

As part of filled Bealtaine Festival programme this month Tralee Library are screening director Frank Berry's excellent documentary Ballymun Lullaby. Berry,  who has received high critical acclaim recently for his compelling prison drama Michael Inside documents the story of music teacher Ron Cooney who has been working in the Republic of Ireland's only high-rise housing estate for fifteen years. During this time he has seen the area undergo a dramatic transformation, including the demolition of six of it's seven tower blocks. The young people of Ballymun have had an extraordinary experience, and Ron sets out to produce a collection of music that gives voice to their story. Working with composer Daragh O'Toole, Ron's ambition is to create a 'world class' collection of music for his talented students to play and write lyrics for. This music will challenge the negative views many still hold of the area - views that have the potential to hold his students back, and undermine the aims of the Ballymun Music Programme. The music that is produced attracts the attention of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and is soon recorded by them in a unique collaboration with the students. A dynamic funny and driven man, despite his own health problems, what Ron and his students have achieved is simply amazing. 'Ballymun Lullaby' is a story that needs to be heard.
With contributions from ex-Ballymun natives including Glen Hansard and Peter McVerry this 2011 feature was a big hit on the festival film circuit, screening in Dublin, Cork, Boston and Chicago Film festivals and earned high critical acclaim on it's initial release with RTE's Alan Corr stating "Uplifting, full of hope, moving and beautifully made, Ballymun Lullaby is a small and lovely film."
With the film due to begin at 6:30pm on Thursday 17th May this compelling documentary is sure to draw the crowds for a feature that is too good to miss!

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What movie deserves your €6 this week?

Just the one new releases for viewers this weeks Tuesday Treat at Tralee Omniplex. The latest Amy Schumer vehicle may be enough for those looking for a low attention span feature that should have enough gags to entertain and with the Avengers: Infinity War still playing ( go see it now!!) and a lot of other quality features on show including Jessie Buckley's debut feature Beast  there is lots on offer at Tralee Omniplex this week with the added bonus of all shows today just €6!

I Feel Pretty
According to initial reviews this may be one strictly for Amy Schumer fans. However, if the Avengers are grinding your gears and you just want a ninety minute low brow popcorn flick then this Abbey Kohn/Marc Silverstein directed feature may be just for you!

Review: Beast - Dark thriller that showcases the wonderful talent of Killarney's Jessie Buckley

Set in the idyllic setting of Jersey, Beast tells the tale of a troubled woman (Jessie Buckely) living in an isolated community who finds herself pulled between the control of her oppressive family and the allure of a secretive outsider (Johnny Flynn) suspected of a series of brutal murders.
A film that's release has been highly anticipated largely due to the fact that it is the maiden feature film of director Michael Pearce (who also wrote the film) and Killarney's Jessie Buckley, who's recent television works include the BBC's adaptation of War and Peace and Tom Hardy's Taboo, Beast has long been earmarked as that sleepy indie film that may make waves in the mainstream market .Whilst,  admittedly this may not be a film for everyone due to it's dark overtones and at times languid pace there is an awful lot to like and Pearces direction and Jessie Buckley's performance are central to all that is good about this haunting thriller.
Whilst  a lot has been said of Buckley's performance and how important she is to the film, I feel that even these plaudits were underselling her role - she simply is the film. The Kerry actress dominates every scene she is in and delivers as powerful a leading actress performance as you are likely to see in the cinema this year.
Pearce's direction is also noteworthy, as he perfectly captures both the beauty and danger of the setting of Jersey Island and creates an atmosphere that whilst may resemble Wuthering Heights and Sleeping with the Enemy at times also has his unique stamp on it.
The haunting score, stunning cinematography and commendable supporting performances from the likes of Johnny Flynn and Geraldine James also add to quality of the production but this is the Jessie Buckley show and she does not disappoint.
It's eerie atmosphere may unsettle some viewers but overall Beast is psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end and if you have had a bellyful of the Avengers may just be movie for you.
✸✸✸✸

What movies to watch this weekend?

In the Cinema:

I Feel Pretty
Written and directed by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein this latest Amy Schumer vehicle has not been one to win the critics hearts but if you are a fan of the comedian and don't mind a run of the mill predictable yet pleasant comedy this may be just the tonic for you!



Streaming: 

Kodachrome (Netflix)
This Mark Raso directed Netflix Original feature works largely due to the sharp writing and a talented cast that includes Ed Harris, Jason Sudekis and Elizabeth Olsen giving some strong performances. In an area where Netflix can sometimes be found wanting this is undoubtedly one of their better efforts!



On Telly

The Devil Wears Prada (Film Four Sunday 6th May 18:50)
Stark expose into the fashion world, that includes some incredible performances from a cast that includes Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep in top form, this adaptation of the book by Lauren Weisberger is well worth repeated viewing.

Phenomenal response to inaugural Kerry County Council and Arts Council Ireland Film Bursary

There has been a quite overwhelming response to Kerry County Council and Arts Council Ireland's inaugural film bursary for the county with over 80 applications received for the €15,000 on offer for the victorious short film shot in Kerry.
An extensive media campaign, coupled with a very informative workshop which took place at the County buildings in Rathass on April 12th has seen a staggering amount of applications entered for this particular bursary.
The considerable talent at the county's disposal, along with the scenic beauty of the region and the "carrot" of €15,000 prize to aid the making of a short film has certainly appealed to film makers far and wide and now the adjudication begins to select the particular short film that will showcase the beauty of the county we live in and add to the rich tapestry of film making that exists within the region. The very best of luck to all applicants!

My Movie Life - Maurice Galway, Founder & Director of Dingle International Film Festival

As a new monthly feature on the blog I've decided to pick the brains of various figures inside (and outside) the film industry and get their likes, dislikes and general opinions on some burning movie related questions.

First up is Maurice Galway, founder and director of the hugely successful Dingle International Festival which every March sees west Kerry transform into a focal point for incredible creative talent from within the world of film.  As AD of the Dingle International Film Festival Maurice curates each festival programme along with attracting in major industry guests, which have included the likes of Laura Dern, Gabriel Bryne, Sir Alan Parker Jim Sheridan and Saoirse Ronan. He has also made a number of short experimental films, which have exhibited in Ireland, London, New York and Cannes. His feature documentary Pauline Bewick: Yellow Man Grey Man premiered on RTE 1 and broadcast on Sky Arts New Zealand.As a visual artist Maurice has exhibited in Ireland, UK, NY and China, his visual work is largely lens based but he is also known for his line drawings and installations. Maurice resides in Kerry with his wife Catherine and their 4 children.

Q1. How does film making today compare with years gone by? What are the changes for the better or what do you miss about film that seems to be lacking in modern film?

Story is king, no question and with many popcorn movies we are not getting a good story. I had the pleasure of seeing Casablanca in the cinema recently and totally loved it; it was such a good story, great script, so well performed.  Nothing new there, but what I was so conscious of was the simple sets and minimal production - and that really didn’t matter, watching the film.  I was simply involved and invested in the characters and loving every minute.
Having said that, I think there are some great movies being made today from all around the world. I’m constantly amazed that every year some filmmaker pushes the boat out and comes up with something new and original; proving that it is not always about the money and that actually, creativity is what we are looking for as film lovers.


Q2. What were your favourite films of the last twelve months?

Gosh there have been so many. I could go for Sami Blood, Western, Baby Driver (loved the creativity here, the cutting to the music), Good Time, The Killing of A Scared Deer (Barry Keoghan was just so good in this film), I loved Logan (I’m a big western fan) and the best animated film was The Red Turtle.
I’ll go with, Luca Guadagnino’s film, Call Me By Your Name - a film full of grace, beautiful to look at, a joy to experience and I’m a fan of the coming of age story. Song of Granite by one of Ireland’s best directors, Pat Collins is a masterpiece - stunningly shot, the film is etched in stone. The Shape of Water, I’ve always loved Guillermo del Toro and was fortunate enough to hear him talk at The Annecy International Film Festival a couple of years ago. Such a creative individual. The Shape of Water was a beautiful experience to watch, full of imagination and elements of myth.  And, of course, Sally Hawkins performance was stunning.


Q3. What film has left you pleasantly suprised over the last year and also what film has monumentally disappointed?

Blade Runner 2049 was a great surprise.  When I first heard they were doing a sequel to Blade Runner I thought what a crazy idea, leave it alone. But I thought Dennis Villeneuve did a great job and the film looked wonderful. I was very disappointed with Scott Cooper’s Hostiles, just didn’t do it for me and as I’ve mentioned I love a good western. I was expecting more as I thought Black Mass and Crazy Heart are excellent films.

Q4. What is the biggest obstacle in the way of the modern day film maker? 
Money! Getting the finances together especially for an independent filmmaker is just so difficult. And many that seem to have the money just don’t seem to have a good script. You would think having a good script is all you need.


Q5. What is your favourite Irish films over the last year? How strong is the current crop of filmmakers in this country?
As I’ve mentioned, Song of Granite. But there have been some excellent Irish films this year and in the past few years. At Dingle IFF this year we screened some great Irish films including; Michael Inside, Black ‘47, Kissing Candice, The Silver Branch; we had the World Premiere of The Keepers of The Flame, and we opened with The Camino Voyage. As for short films, there are some amazing filmmakers here in Ireland, I’m constantly impressed by the quality of film being been made here in the short form.

Q6. What actor/actress is a favourite of yours? What actor/actress makes you want to reach for the remote?
I’ve always  been a fan of Jeff Bridges, first remember seeing him in Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, loved him in The Last Picture Show, Heaven’s Gate, The Big Lebowski, The Fisher King, Seabiscuit, Crazy Heart, Hell or High Water and so much more. Kristin Scott Thomas was so wonderful in The English Patient and I’ll always see her in a movie, loved her in The Horse Whisperer, Tell No One.

Q7. Desert Island Films- What are your 3 all time favourite movies and why?
Ok so this is always an impossible question and I could change my mind any day of the week but because Sergio Leone films are after being digitized and currently playing in The IFI and The BFI in London, I’ll go with 2 of his movies. I love the dollar trilogy and will pick The Good The Bad and The Ugly from this bunch - I loved this when I was a kid watching movies on VHS with my dad and have continued to love the film. I’ll go with Once Upon A Time in The West as my second if only because of the opening sequence which is one of the best directed openings ever...Introducing us to three interesting characters with only a soundscape and no dialogue over 20 mins and then just to kill them off is genius. I really hope to get to see them on the big screen while they are there. My third choice is Lawrence of Arabia, again a film that influenced me as a young man beginning to love and understand film. I have watched all of David Lean’s films and we have screened a good few at Dingle IFF:  Hobson’s Choice, Brief Encounter and Ryan’s Daughter. In fact we have brought Sarah Miles to the film festival twice. Lawrence of Arabia has the most stunning locations, sweeping, majestic images with an excellent cast, a truly great story and I just thought Peter O’Toole was spellbinding.

Q8. What upcoming films are you looking forward to seeing?
I’ll be attending Cannes Film Festival in May and as ever there are some exciting films selected this year including Spike Lee’s film Blackklansman, Dogman the latest film from Matteo Garrone, his film Gomorrah is a classic, Asghar Farhadi opens the festival with Everybody Knows. Other than that I am looking forward to going to the cinema locally and seeing A Quiet Place.

Tralee Omniplex Tuesday Treat - What movie deserves your €6 this week?

Two new releases for viewers to choose from for this weeks Tuesday Treat at Tralee Omniplex. A big budget superhero movies and a chilling thriller are what's on offer. With two high quality features debuting and lots of solid programming still available there is lots on offer at Tralee Omniplex this week with all shows today just €6!

Avengers: Infinity War
The latest chapter in the all powerful Marvel franchise gets it's global releases this week with everyone sworn to secrecy over it's content but with a playlist of superheroes like we've never seen before this one is bound to please the purists!

Beast
Killarney's Jessie Buckley has been earning rave reviews for her part in this gripping thriller that is sure to announce the actress and indeed writer/director Michael Pearce to a much bigger stage. If superheroes are not your thing then this comes highly recommended!