MAR 4-8, 2021 22nd Annual Chicago Irish Film Festival
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22nd Annual Chicago Irish Film Festival
MAR 4—8, 2021
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
If there was one word to describe this year’s
festival, it is perspective; how do we see things
and what do we really know? And looking at
the elephant in the room named Covid, we all
know our perspectives have changed. And
when I watched this year’s program of films my
perspective on a number of issues and historical
events changed over and over again and I
wanted to personally thank every filmmaker that
afforded me the opportunity to see things in a
new light: the real power of film.
This year’s festival covers a wild west of topics,
from the emerging art scene in 1930’s Ireland
to a twist of fate and a deflected assassin’s
bullet in 1936 Italy. We see all sorts of family
dynamics; the good, the bad and the totally
uncomfortable. There are films that will make you want to close your
eyes before you jump, but you’ll look anyway and films that are so
stunningly beautiful you’d like to frame the images so you never forget
how magical movies can be.
Of course, one of the things I most love about the festival is hanging
out with our donors and sponsors, our dedicated festival goers and
the wonderful filmmakers that have journeyed to Chicago each year to
share their film; the true festival experience. But this year I am grateful
to our streaming platform that helped us keep the festival going and will
also allow this year’s amazing group of films and special partnership
programs find new audiences outside our geographic footprint. I am
also beyond grateful to both the advisory and programming committees
and all the festival staff that not only looked forward to what could be
in 2021, but created a festival built on collaboration and unwavering
support in this new world of virtual presentation.
So, whether you like to watch with popcorn and soda, ice cream and
pretzels, nachos and beer or wine and chocolate thank you for coming
to the 22nd Chicago Irish Film Festival, I truly hope you enjoy every minute.
Jude Blackburn
Festival Director
2 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.com
CULTURAL SPONSORS & PARTNERS
The Chicago Irish Film Festival would like to thank and acknowledge our
sponsors and partners. Without their generous support, the 22nd Chicago
Irish Film Festival would not be possible.
Presenting Sponsors
Cultural Sponsors
Cultural Grants
Immigrant Support Program of Ireland | Culture Ireland | Irish Fellowship—Chicago
Our Program Partners
Screenings available within the United States unless otherwise noted. | 3
FEATURE FILM
THE EDGE OF CHAOS
Director: Sam Uhlemann | Writer: Sam Uhlemann | Producer: Juliane Wothe |
Key Cast: Aoibhinn McGinnity Sean Mahon, Muireann Ryan, Muireann D’Arcy, Graeme
Coughlan | Cinematography: Joseph Ingersoll | Editing: Alec Moore | 2020, 97 mins
The Edge of Chaos is Sam Uhlemann’s When their alcoholic daughter Carrie,
compelling debut feature, where he attempts to, blackmail her father, Derek,
explores the consequences of traumatic over his corrupt business practices, she
family secrets that no one has mentioned, doesn’t realize the consequences her
let alone resolved, in decades. The film actions will bring. For the first time in
follows the well-respected and wealthy years the family must come together as
Kennan family, whose members spend one and it is only when they accept their
as little time as possible with each other own failings that they finally find their
despite having shared business dealings. way back together.
“A modern-day Greek tragedy with a gut-wrenching performance by Aoibhinn McGinnity.”
“A thoroughly compelling, shocking and evocative thriller.“ —danwebbwrites.com
“An emotional rollercoaster of epic proportions.”
4 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.com
FEATURE FILM
THE EVENING REDNESS IN THE SOUTH
Director: Colin Hickey | Writer: Colin Hickey | Producer: Monica Lucia Navarro, Colin
Hickey | Key Cast: Liam Cotter, Shane Corcoran, Orla Gleeson, Louis Jacob, Richard
O’Connor, Denis Hilmer | Cinematography: Colin Hickey | 2019, 70 mins
The Evening Redness in the South is an Presented as an expanding collage of
entirely dialogue-free dramatic feature images and scenes and sounds gathered
film that follows several workers on a from the worksite the film is a masterpiece
building site as their daily work and family of silent film. Winner of more than twenty
lives becomes infused with their deepest awards worldwide for experimental film,
memories, dreams, anxieties, and desires. directing and cinematography.
“A piece of cinema verity…a fascinating film whose imagery will stay with you
and whose director will go on to greater things.” —Screencritix.com
“’I would implore viewers to experience this film at some point in their life, even
if it’s just to acknowledge that movies like this exist’” —Film Threat
“True artistry, heart-tugging sentiments and important life lessons.” —onefilmfan
“A film which truly elevates the art of filmmaking.” —ukfilmreview
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 5
FEATURE FILM
This screening available in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin only.
I NEVER CRY
Director: Piotr Domalewski | Writer: Piotr Domalewski | Producer: Julie Ryan, Jan
Kwiecinski | Key Cast: Zofia Stafiej, Kinga Preis, Arkadiusz Jakubik, Nigel O’Neill,
Donncha Crowley | Cinematography: Piotr Sobocinski Jr. | Editing: Agnieszka Glinska |
Music: Hania Rani | 2020, 98 mins
Ola barely knew her dad, who’s been importantly the money he’d saved for her
gone since she was young, working at a car. Although street smart and self-assured,
construction site in Ireland. But he promised Ola not only finds herself up against a
her a car for her upcoming 18th birthday ruthless bureaucracy, but she must also
and that’s all that really matters and all navigate an emotional rollercoaster as she
the proof she needs to believe that he discovers the truth about his life in Ireland.
loves her. When news of his death arrives A bittersweet coming-of-age drama that
from the Dublin, Ola sets out from Poland explores the perplexity of family bonds
to retrieve her father’s body and more and the cost of separation.
“A moving drama, filled with black humor and empathy, that would make Ken Loach proud.”
—Cineuropa
“A moving, raw, and beautifully paced film…with a gritty, true-to-life tone that digs deep
into the personal experiences of its young female protagonist.” —amplifyfilm.uk
6 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.com
FEATURE FILM
THE WINTER LAKE
Director: Phil Sheerin | Writer: David Turpin | Producers: Ruth Treacy,
Julianna Forde | Key Cast: Emma Mackey, Charlie Murphy, Anson
Boon, Michael McElhatton | Cinematography: Ruairí O’Brien |
Editing: John Walters | Music: August Murphy-King | 2020, 92 mins
Phil Sheerin’s feature debut is a taunt triller Holly, a beguiling teenager and her very
set on the edges of Sligo. Tom and his protective dad who has a sinister edge to
mom, Elaine, forced to leave the UK, are match the landscape. When Tom stumbles
trying to settle into an old family farmhouse on a floating sack in a nearby seasonal
on the outskirts of town with little success. lake and finds human remains inside the
Silent and sullen Tom takes to roaming discovery sets into motion a series of
the fields around his house , collecting the harrowing events. As unspeakable secrets
bones of dead animals, while his mom ends float to the surface all four lives will be
everyday trying to drink away the reality changed forever, and Tom will be forced
of their situation. Across the fields are to confront the harsh truths of adulthood.
“Irish darkness on the edge of town…a damp-in-the-bones psychological thriller.”
—RTE
“Water cannot conceal the past or wash away the guilt in this tense
atmospheric Irish family drama set in a rain-sodden Sligo.” —Screen Daily
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 7
FEATURE FILM
Ireland’s submission to the 2021 Academy Awards.
ARRACHT
Director: Tom Sullivan | Writer: Tom Sullivan | Producers: Cúán Mac Conghail
Key Cast: Dónall Ó Héalaí, Saise Ní Chuinn, Dara Devaney, Michael McElhatton,
Peter Coonan, Seán T. Ó Meallaigh | Cinematography: Kate McCullough
Music: Kila | 2020, 86 mins
Ireland, 1845 on the eve of The Great visit the English Landlord’s house to request
Hunger. Colmán Sharkey, a fisherman, a a stay on rent increases that Colmán knows
father, a husband, takes in a stranger will destroy his community. His request falls
at the behest of a local priest. Patsy, a on deaf ears and Patsy’s subsequent actions
former soldier in the Napoleonic wars set Colmán on a path that will take him to
arrives just ahead of ‘the blight,’ a disease the edge of survival, and sanity. Then one
that eventually wipes out the country’s day he meets a young girl, Kitty, who looks
potato crop, contributing to the death and to Colmán for food and shelter and Colmán
displacement of millions. As the crops rot finds in Kitty a reason to live.
in the fields, Colmán, his brother and Patsy
“An immersive thriller and affecting drama from start to finish…a stirring achievement
that stays with you long after viewing” —Entertainment.ie
“A character study of one man’s humanity in the face of grief, but it echoes the wider
trauma of a nation that was decimated by hunger.” —EyeForFilm-UK
8 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.com
DOCUMENTARY
Narrated by Liam Neeson.
THE HUNGER
Director: Ruan Magan | Writer: Ruan Magan | Producers: Patricia Carroll, Colm
Crowley, Laurent Filliung, John Fitzgerald | Narration: Liam Neeson | Key Cast: Sibeal
Ni Chasaide, Tim Creed, Nick Dunning, Marty Rea | Cinematography: Brian O’Leahy
Editor: Keith Walsh | Music: Natasha Paulberg | 2020, 90 mins
175 years ago Europe was struck by a two million emigrated. Ireland today is the
devastating famine. The food crisis was only country in the western world with a
triggered when a deadly fungus escaped population lower than it had in the 1840s.
from South America and destroyed the potato Featuring compelling interviews with some
crops. 100,000 people died of starvation of the world’s leading historians, first-hand
and disease in France, Belgium, Holland, accounts from witnesses and survivors and
Scotland and the Kingdom of Prussia. But in rare archive materials, The Hunger sets out to
Ireland, where half the population relied on reveal the extraordinary and appalling story
the potato as their main source of food, the of one of the worst humanitarian disasters of
impact was even more extreme. One million the C19th century, one that continues to have
people died and between 1845 and 1855, relevance to us today.
“A compelling, harrowing, informative documentary.” —The Irish Post
“It is important that we commemorate such a significant event and
honor those who lost their lives.” —Independent.ie
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 9
DOCUMENTARY
A CALL TO ARTS
Director: Christopher Kepple | Producer: Cormac O’Malley
Key Cast: Ross McClean | Editor: Bronte Stahl
2020, 84 mins
The life and legacy of an extraordinary Cormac interviews historians, arts
couple, the Connecticut-born artist Helen commentators and people who knew
Hooker and her husband, Irish revolutionary his parents, to discover the political and
and historian Ernie O’Malley, is explored cultural impact of their endeavors.
by their son Cormac O’Malley. The couple A Call to Arts was made through the
made major contributions to a modernist collaboration of Glucksman Ireland House
arts scene in a newly independent Ireland at NYU, NYC, NY; Gallery of Photography,
in the 1930s and ‘40s: she was involved in Dublin, Ireland; National Library of Ireland,
sculpture, theatre and photography; while Dublin, Ireland; and Greenwich Historical
he made a living as an author, writing Society, Cos Cob, CT.
extensively about his role in the Irish War
of independence and Civil War.
“An intimate portrait of a couple who made it their life’s work to
see Ireland not for how it was, but for what it could become.”
10 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comDOCUMENTARY
TOMORROW IS SATURDAY
Director: Gillian Marsh and Gretta Ohle | Producers: Gillian Marsh and
Mairead Tucker | Key Cast: Sean Hillen | Camera: Richard Kendrick
Photo Credit: Gregory Dunn Stoneybutter | 2020, 68 mins
Tomorrow is Saturday is an intimate, As Sean attempts to declutter and make
fascinating portrait of Irish collage artist sense of his floor to ceiling collection of
Sean Hillen—a brilliant, complex, unruly living history in time for the arrival of the
mind hemmed in behind a lifetime’s love of his life – a woman he’s never met,
collection of hoarded junk, unfinished art, he shares his memories of a childhood
and precious memories at his tiny Dublin in Newry in the shadow of the Troubles,
terraced home. a photography career cut short by
Diagnosed with Aspergers in his late 50s, censorship and the evolution of his
Sean has reached the point where his unique photomontage style.
mental state and physical surroundings
have brought his creativity to a halt.
“Among the best Irish films of the year.” —The Irish Times
“I could have disappeared from history; it is only in the last few years that I have
committed to hang on for grim death. I will not be defeated.” —Sean Hillen
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 11DOCUMENTARY
This screening available in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin only.
VIOLET GIBSON, THE IRISH WOMAN WHO SHOT MUSSOLINI
Director: Barrie Dowdall, Kevin de la Isla O’Neill | Writers: Barrie Dowdall, Kevin de la
Isla O’Neill, Siobhan Lynam | Key Cast: Olwen Fouéré, Padraig Cullen, Michael Heavy,
Siobhan Lynam, Laura Kelly | Cinematography: Jass Foley | Editing: Kevin de la Isla
O’Neill | Music: Sarah Caitriona Lynch | 2020, 117 mins
One day in April, 1926, three years into on Mussolini. She was a committed anti-
Benito Mussolini’s fascist rule of Italy, he was fascist, had intensively studied Mussolini’s
making a speech to a crowd of supporters movements, and clearly had some kind of
in Rome when a woman stepped out of the help in her assassination attempt.
crowd, produced a pistol, and shot him at After being returned to England to avoid a
point-blank range. Mussolini’s head turned public trail in Italy, Gibson spent the rest of
as she did so, and the bullet grazed his nose. life in St. Andrews Hospital in Northampton,
She fired again, but the gun jammed. the same hospital James Joyce’s daughter
The woman was Violet Gibson, born in would later be committed to and died in
Dalkey and raised in aristocratic splendor 1956. Violet Gibson was written off as a
on Merrion Square, Dublin, daughter of the lone “madwoman”, committed to an asylum
Lord Chancellor. Gibson came the closest for the rest of her life, and effectively written
to success of the four assassination attempts out of history.
“One woman’s willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the world.”
“If a man had done this, there’d probably be a statue of him.”
12 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comDOCUMENTARY
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?
Director: Matthew Nevin | Writer: Matthew Nevin | Producers: Matthew
Nevin, Ciara Scanlan, Katriona Woods, Katherine Nolan, Jenny Minniti-
Shippey, Bernard O’Rouke | Editor: Jack Toibin Music: Craig Stuart
Garfinkle Featured Vocalist: Nella | 2020, 70 mins
A curated selection of unrehearsed video By removing the participant’s ability to
responses to the title question, What prepare in advance the film presents
is Going to Happen Next?, put to one its audience with a series of natural
person in every country around the world, responses and a variety of behavioral
203 sovereign states as defined by the nuances within an international cultural
United Nations. To initiate a genuinely context. By showcasing participants’
unplanned answer to the title question, choice in visual setting, manner, and
the participants were not informed of practice of participating, along with a
the question in advance. Instead, the series of complex personal, social, and
participants were asked to record political responses, the film attempts to
themselves reading the question and give voice to the incredible diversity of
were given just two minutes to respond. our planet’s population.
“An ambitious documentary the showcases the diversity and complexity of humanity.”
“An eclectic pool of participants with a broad view of our personal and global futures.”
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 13SHORTS PROGRAM 1
Somewhere—Sometime
Lions and tiger and bears? No! But there is a homicidal bull, a crow funeral, an
internet influencer gone mad and a guy that is actually trying to fly over the rainbow.
BALLAST HOW TO ROB A I LIKE CHICKEN BUT
WITCH I DON’T LIKE THAT
Jesse Gilbert Liam Fahy Sophie Quin
15:56 mins 5:30 mins 5:58 mins
Beset by grief a man builds A brother and sister find an Set in rural Ireland, a
himself the means to escape elderly witch living beneath woman recalls the events
the pains of his existence. a wishing well deep in the and emotions surrounding
woods. Why wish for riches the murder of her pet
when you can rob witches? rooster by a wild fox.
SISTER THIS BRUTE MOURNING
MURDER
Claire Byrnre9:00 mins Brian Folan Liam Fahy
Struggling financially and 14:48 mins 1:00 min
doing everything they can A young mother and A short one-minute film
to survive, two sisters argue, her son flee an abusive about a group of crows
but realize the last thing husband in the middle of the holding a funeral for a
they can afford is shame. night only to find themselves dead friend.
Winner of the Aer Lingus trapped in their car in a
Discovery—2020. field with a homicidal bull.
14 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comVote for the
Audience
60 DAYS THE FINAL
OF HELL PERFORMANCE Award!
Sohaila Lindheim David J Phillips
3:55 mins 3:00 mins HOW TO VOTE
FOR YOUR
Inside the life and A man gives his all in a FAVORITE
mind of Irish Director performance in front of SHORTS!
Sohaila Lindheim as she a captive audience.
Everyone who has
experiences Covid-19
an individual ticket
during a lockdown.
or a pass for this
year’s amazing Shorts
Programs 1–5 will be
able to vote for their
favorite short. Just click
the stars below the film
title you want to vote
for, submit your vote
BITCH OPERATOR and we have all the
results tallied up at the
Darragh Moran Jonathan Hughes close of the festival.
13:00 mins 11:04 mins Voting is only available
Becky dreams of being an A self-obsessed call-center on a mobile device not
internet sensation. But, after worker deals with personal on your TV.
a video of her seemingly heartbreak while on shift as Watch our social
causing the death of her the world crumbles around media pages to
best friend goes viral, she him...due to a zombie find out the 2021
becomes infamous. What apocalypse. audience award
will Becky do?
Winners!
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 15SHORTS PROGRAM 2
Desperate Measures
Quarantines, family confrontations, a runaway bride
and bad weather create some interesting situations.
STAY SAFE, STAY THE COST YOU
HOME, STAY SANE? BLOCKS NOTHING
Nick Hales Gareth Gowran Patricia Kelly
3:05 mins 10:19 mins 10:15 mins
The slow decline of a Life through the eyes and A mother’s fractious
worker over lockdown. A hearts of girls in Dublin sixty relationship with her son
story that may, or may not years ago sharing happy disintegrates when she
echo my own days of the childhood memories mixed cannot accept the man
Covid pandemic in front with the worries and fears of he has become.
of the computer screen... adult life that are bigger than
any child’s ability to cope.
HOW TO FALL IN LOVE CIÚNAS (SILENCE) THE LUCKY MAN
IN A PANDEMIC Tristan Heanue Lochlann Dowd
Michael-David McKernan 12:35 mins 15:00 mins
10:40 mins
A couple embark on a In an old rural Irish pub
A romance accelerates journey in the midst of in the middle of nowhere,
dramatically against the a family crisis. a lonely simple-minded
backdrop of the pandemic barman’s brief encounter
as two filmmakers who met with a difficult customer
on-line are forced to move highlights his need for
in together; and it all connection.
began in Chicago!
16 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comLOCKDOWN ASCENDING LUCKY
UPSIDE DOWN GRACE
Barbara Soares Claire Bryne Abaigeal Collins
1:00 min 11:06 mins 2:14 mins
Lockdown in Dublin— First officer Maedhbh has A small four-leaf clover
a teeny tiny doc in 60 high hopes for her first day named Lucky is companion
seconds. of work, but when she fails to an old Irish man in
to impress Captain Cara and downtown Chicago, but
with a cabin full of restless there are some things that
passengers, it’s far from what luck just can’t fix.
she expected...
CONGRATULATIONS!
2021 CONSULATE OF IRELAND
AWARD NOMINEES
CROOKED
David J Phillips Established to honor a short film that captures Ireland,
6:18 mins it’s spirit, history, or culture. The winner will be selected
A policeman is looking by the current Consul General of Ireland—Chicago,
for a mob informant within Mr. Kevin Byrne. This year’s nominees represent a
his team. moment in Irish sport’s history, Irish adventure, a lost
Irish heritage, Irish folklore, and faith in Irish luck.
Spoiler:
It’s obviously Frankie. And the nominees are:
• An Irish Underdog Story • The Fisherman
• The Mountain Keg • Lucky
• At Heart and Soul
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 17SHORTS PROGRAM 3
All in a Day
On any given day we can find courage, take a risk, or accomplish something
no one has before. Here are eight shorts that all picked a day.
THE LONG SUMMER- WE DON’T THE WEST KERRY
STILL TO COME? CHOOSE HOW COWBOY
David Simmons Natasha Waugh Cian O’Connor
2:00 mins 15:58 mins 17:57 mins
A short film tribute to the A homeless artist struggles Big Mac and his dad Frank
late James Simmons, the with a tragic loss, and uses live in the heart of West
well-known Irish poet and his talent to overcome grief. Kerry. After his mother’s
songwriter. death, Big Mac falls into a
secretive world. On the day
of her anniversary, Big Mac
has a confession to make.
CHRISTY BACK HOME PADDY’S DAY ‘90
Brendan Canty Luca Di Bartolo Jonny Farrelly
14:55 mins 1:00 min 1:00 min
A 16-year-old school- How big is our vital space? A mini documentary
dropout interviews for a What shapes, sounds and animation celebrating the
job, but when he’s let down colors can it acquire? ‘All Ireland Final Day’ on
by his brother he lashes St. Patrick’s Day 1990.
back and looks to his
friends for support.
18 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comTHE MOUNTAIN
KEG Female Directors:
Justin Stevenson and
Diarmuid Connon HONEST AND FOCUSED
32:33 mins Female directors are New to the festival
A cinematic telling of the true behind 23 of the are some amazingly
story of the team that carried 47 short films being talented directors
the first ever full keg of stout screened at this year’s including Deborah
up Carrauntoohil Mountain: festival showcasing Grimes with a story
the first and highest poured their talents in drama, about new beginnings
pint in Ireland. comedy, animation, and and a transformative
documentary. We are Yellow Dress, Laoisa
delighted to welcome Sexton’s The Lucky
back Roisin Kearney Man bringing lonely
with Paddy, a heart bar flies and runaway
tugging family story brides together for an
of love and 70’s punk afternoon and Ayla
rock; Natasha Waugh Amano with 4 X 4
THE FERRY
with We Don’t Choose and how two sisters
Niall Mckay
How, a small love story with vastly different
25:00 mins
to a lost love and Claire personalities view living
A short mystery and heartfelt Bryne with two films in rural Ireland. Short
drama that explores the Sister This a story of filmmaking is truly an
themes of secrecy, family, love and determination art form onto itself and
loss and regeneration set and Ascending Grace these filmmakers, along
against the backdrop of the about a young pilot who with the other 16 female
mother and baby homes in would love to impress directors, have created
small town Ireland. the captain on her first shorts that are exciting,
“The Ferry” was long listed for day, please don’t jump thoughtful, and honest.
the 2021 Academy Awards,
Congratulations to Niall & Roisin. to any conclusions.
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 19SHORTS PROGRAM 4
Life Lessons
Exploring, risking, imagining, encouraging in a world
that can seem big and small at the same time.
FISHERMAN KICKABOUT A CAT CALLED JAM
Narae Kim/Lewis Barfoot Nigel Bunyan Lorraine Lordan
5:00 mins 3:04 mins 8:10 mins
Fisherman’ follows a young 10-year-old Jan is home A cat, named Jam, tangles
girl’s mission to discover alone missing his friends with three dogs over some
her ancestor’s land where during the lockdown. butcher scraps. When they
she discovers her gift for Tired of playing football by chase him into the park, he
shapeshifting and awakens himself he heads to the park. meets Treacle who has a
her true power within. vastly different view on the
lives of cats and dogs.
SHIELDING NICO CAT MINI HUGH
Maire Campbell Mark Jackson Liam McMahon
14:50 mins 2:00 mins 9:00 mins
Matt opens the door to A child goes on an An oblivious Australian
find his young son Nico extremely scary adventure. nephew has a yarn with
has come to live with him. his stern Irish uncle over
Reclusive and depressed a cuppa tea.
Matt struggles to cope, but
Covid-19, the lockdown
and shielding Nico changes
his outlook on life.
20 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comThank You
to Our 2020
Festival Venues
Please support these
wonderful indy theaters
through their Virtual
Screening Portals and
reservations are available
4X4 THE FIRST STEP for socially distant dining at
Ayla Amano Emma Cummings the beautiful Theater on the
15:00 mins 4:37 mins Lake: Lakefront Restaurant.
In rural Ireland, a simple A young girl attempting to
decision pushes two teenage better the world by recycling
sisters to contemplate their a glass jar embarks on an
future and their ties to the adventure where’s she is
family farm. faced with the effects of
climate change in the form
of the Four Horsemen of
the Apocalypse.
PADDY GETTING IN
Roisin Kearney Richard Keaney
13:11 mins 9:18 mins
It’s the late 70’s in London When his son is turned
and a new generation is away from his favorite
asking questions and finding band’s gig for being
answers, It’s called PUNK, underage, a dedicated dad
and it doesn’t matter what is determined to getting him
you are or where you’re from. in one way or another.
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 21SHORTS PROGRAM 5
Surprises
The good, the bad and the totally unexpected.
AT HEART AND SOUL A BETTER YOU EXPIRY DATE
Greta Steinberg and Eamonn Murphy Karolina Kraus
Jorinde Weinmann 15:58 mins 3:27 mins
3:33 mins
Set in a dystopian Seán and Aoife’s plan for
A little Irish girl shares her Neo-Steampunk World, an online date unravels
love for her home country in Douglas a shy introvert before it even begins with
a self-written poem about enlists the help of “A Better Aoife’s co-worker caught
Ireland celebrating the You” a customizable in the middle.
power of imagination, the carbon clone to help him
longing for freedom, and win the girl of his dreams.
the courage to look beyond A futuristic Cyrano?
one’s own limitations.
Covid Stories:
LOVE, SANITY AND REALITY
Scattered throughout this year’s five shorts programs GROW OLD
are eight Covid stories, some personal like Michael- WITH ME
David McKernan who was forced to quarantined J.J. McDowell
with his new girlfriend of two weeks in How To Fall 6:46 mins
in Love in a Pandemic to surviving covid alone in A young couple gets news
Sohaila Lindheim’s calendar checking 60 Days of that they might not be able
Hell while some filmmakers went for the lighter side to grow old together, so
like David Phillips’ The Last Performance to entertain they pretend to have their
his little sister or Nick Hales’ animated Stay Home, 40th Anniversary.
Stay Safe, Stay Sane? which obviously he didn’t!
But, in all the stories ones sees hope.
22 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comSIGN OF THE TIMES TYRE KICKERS WET & SOPPY
Amy-Joyce Hastings Danny McCafferty Cliona Noonan
1:00 min 12:27 min 4:02 mins
Signs of Covid or A determined Barry scours A weather-tormented man
Covid signs? the length and breadth of the who just wants to dry his
On February 29th Ireland country trying to find a Ford underwear is forced to use
had its first diagnosed case Capri, but not just any Capri, the local laundromat, but
of Covid-19. but the model his father had the weather can change.
to sell when his mother fell
pregnant with him.
THE WIDOW AN IRISH THE YELLOW
Ailish Castillo and UNDERDOG STORY DRESS
Nicola Morris Johnathan Farrelly Deborah Grimes
13:12 mins 3:51 mins 14:58 mins
Ireland, 1952, a young ‘All Ireland Final Day’ of To help her mother regain
mother’s cry for help in a Baltinglass on March 17th, her joie de vivre after
man’s world where silence 1990. The club made history having breast cancer
is a virtue. and become the lowest Aisling, 14, sets her up
ranked team to ever win the on what she believes will
Club All Ireland, an honor be the ‘perfect date’.
that they still have to this day.
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 23PARTNER PROGRAMS
Amazing Animation
The Chicago Irish Film Festival in partnership with
Dublin Animation Film Festival presents a special
program of family friendly films created by some of
Ireland’s most talented animators. Specially curated
by the festival’s director, Fionnghuala Ní Néill, the
program will also include, “In Conversation” with
Niall Murphy, managing editor of Scannain, Jam
Media’s, Jessica Patterson, Bolder Media’s Rob AFTER YOU
Cullen, and award-winning author and animator, Damian O’Connor | 2012
Kristina Yee, discussing how the process works and 60 years in the life of a
how they got started. Recommended for children 8 Dublin doorman as he
and up. Recommended for children 8 and up. 90 mins watches the city he
loves change.
BRIGHT SIDE THE BEEKEEPER DON’T FORGET
Dylan Cooper and Robyn Conroy | 2019 THE BREAD
Natasha Walsh | 2018 Gary Gill | 2016
Deep in the heart of a
The story of a broken bamboo forest, a paternal Dublin, 1916 Rising, and
teapot, who’s flaws help bear watches over Mae, a 4 young Flanagans must
him realize his purpose is spirited young girl that he stay safe together. But most
more than just making tea. is raising. importantly, ’Don’t forget
the bread’!
24 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comDublin Animation Film Festival
FAR ISLE MEOWNGREL RAWR
Laura Robinson | 2019 Sophie Kinsella | 2016 Sorcha McGinley | 2020
A film about emigration, new An abandoned puppy is One little girl is faced with
experiences, and meeting rescued by a mother cat a major disappointment
new people changes how and does the best they during lockdown.
you see the world. can to fit in.
RUSLAN SHOOT STREETS OF FURY
Jack McHugh and Connor Rory Conway | 2015 Aidan McAteer | 2019
McNally | 2020 An assassination attempt on Max Punchface likes to
Ruslan is a young boy in a president is serendipitously punch and kick things,
Soviet Russia who dreams foiled by a pigeon. but life changes when he
of being a cowboy. lands in the calm world of
Sheepland.
THE VOYAGE TO THE STARS UNHINGED
Jessica Patterson | 2020 Gemma McGivern | 2020 Tom Caulfield | 2016
A heartwarming rendition An animated film about The squeaky hinge gets
of the song ‘The Voyage’, Dr. Norah Patten, Ireland’s the oil. But when the
by a cocooning Christy first female astronaut. squeak escapes the oil
Moore in the height of the its sure to get you!
Covid-19 crisis of 2020.
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 25Dublin Animation Film Festival
In a Conversation With
KRISTINA YEE JESSICA PATTERSON ROBERT CULLEN
Harvard and National Jessica is a director and Emmy nominated, Robert
Film & Television School animator with Jam Media. Cullen is the creative
graduate, Kristina Yee, is Jessica produced The director and founder of
a screenwriter, animator Voyage with Christy Moore Boulder Media. Boulder
and author of the award- in aid of RTÉ Does Comic is one of Ireland’s largest
winning Miss Todd film and Relief 2020; and directed animation studios working
book. Kristina has written the festive short Mistletoe on shows such as Foster’s
for shows such as Kiva and Stubbs (2020) which Home for Imaginary
Can Do for Nickelodeon, she created and directed Friends, The Amazing
and Space Chickens in as part of RTÉ’s Shorts Yule World of Gumball and
Space for Disney, her Love series. Transformers. Rob was
episode ‘Food Fight’ instrumental in the reboot
receiving a Best Writer NIAL MURPHY of 80’s classic, Danger
for an Animated Series Niall Murphy is the Mouse for CBBC directing
nomination at the 2019 managing editor of 72 episodes and is currently
Irish Animation Awards. Scannain, one of Ireland’s directing his first feature film
Kristina has several foremost screen industry based on My Little Pony to
projects in development publications. He works be released in 2021.
including Goat Girl (co- as Head of Business &
created with Shannon Legal Affairs and Inward FIONNGHUALA
George), with Daily Production at award-winning NÍ NEIL
Madness Productions. Irish production company Fionnaghuala is the
Treasure Entertainment. He director and founder the
is also a board member of Dublin Animation Film
of Raising Films and a Festival and a member of
passionate advocate of the Directorate of Creativity,
equality and diversity in the Innovation and Research
Irish screen industry. at Media Cube at Dun
Laoghaire- Institute of Art,
Design & Technology, in
Dublin, Ireland.
26 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comVirgin Media: Dublin International FF
Playback X DIFF : Irish Hip Hop + R&B
A dynamic programme of the best The program includes the music
contemporary Irish Hip Hop + R&B music and video talents of Tolü Makay
videos in Ireland today. Curated for Wild Thing; BiigPiig Don’t
the 2021 Festival by producer Michael Turn Around; James Vincent
Donnelly V and musician Erica Cody, McMurrow Gone; and Denise
Playback presents 12 music videos Chaila Duel Citizenship and
alongside specially-recorded interviews the filmmaking talents of Gar
with the featured film directors and music 0’Rourke, Georgia Kelly, Sam
artists. This project showcases the vibrant, McGrath (Kojaque’s Shmelly),
energetic creativity of the talents involved Nathan Barlow (Jafaris’ If You
and gives them a platform to discuss their Love Me), and Ellius Grace
process, style and collaborations. 80 mins (Loah & Bartum April Brave).
This screening available in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin only.
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 27Green Ray Film Agency
Inside the Industry
Recently founded Green Ray Film Agency flies the flag for new
cinema working with Irish filmmaking talent to connect their work with
international audiences. The Chicago Irish Film Festival is delighted to
welcome Green Way Film Agency co-founders Mick Hannigan, Una
Feely and Peter Zemek to the festival presenting five U.S. premiers from
their catalogue followed by a conversation with award winning actress
and first-time director Eva Birthistle and award winning directors Adam
Patterson and Declan Lawn about the indie film scene in Cork and
getting your film in front of an audience. 90 mins
ROUGH SPREAD THE WINGS
Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson Alice McDowell
13 mins | U.S. Premiere 11 min | U.S. Premiere
In contemporary Belfast a young man Sisters Maggie and Nora are from the
faces retribution for the transgressions of Irish Traveller community—an indigenous
his beloved dog. Rough is a film about nomadic ethnic minority group. Although
a dog sentenced to death by gangsters, forced off the road in the 1980s with the
but it’s also a film about those who have introduction of anti-trespass legislation,
been forgotten by Northern Ireland’s Maggie and Nora still travel back to
peace process. Connemara every summer to rekindle
Declan Lawn spent ten years as an their connection with the land.
investigative reporter for BBC Panorama. Alice McDowell is a documentary filmmaker
Adam Patterson spent years working as working both locally and internationally
a photojournalist on such award-winning on the subject of minority rights. Alice has
programmes such as the BBC’s Panorama created films with different cultural and
and Unreported World. Adam and community groups, including Mother & Baby
Declan have been selected by Screen home survivors, Muslim feminists, LGBTI
International as Stars of Tomorrow 2020. activists, asylum seekers and the Traveller
Best Irish Short Film, Kerry International community. Alice is originally from Australia
Film Festival 2020. and now lives and works in Galway.
Spirit of the Festival Award, Catalyst
Women’s Film Festival 2020.
28 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comKATHLEEN FLICKER HUNGER
WAS HERE Luke Daly/Nathan Fagan Mark Dollard
Eva Birthistle 20 min | U.S. Premiere 9 mins | U.S. Premiere
10 mins | U.S. Premiere
Moving through the house A heroin addict is pursued
Kathleen is 18 and alone. parties, nightclubs and bars by a menacing figure.
The system has no place of today’s Dublin, Flicker Using the tropes of horror
for her now. This visually explores the pressures of cinema and vampire lore
arresting and emotionally contemporary masculinity, to show the human side of
taught tale depicts ongoing exploring ways in which drug addiction, providing
problems surrounding young men navigate an insight into the mind of
young adults who age trauma, mental health and someone driven by a demon.
out of care and their emotional vulnerability. Graduate of the Colaiste
struggle to ‘fit in’.
Luke Daly and Nathan Dhulaigh/Wolverhampton
Eva Birthistle is a multi- Fagan are a directing University Film Production
award-winning actress. duo of commercials, short degree, 2016 Winner of
Her 25-year career in narratives, and music the 2017 Ronan Phelan
film has seen her working videos. Best Irish Short Film, Screenwriting Award at
with directors Ken Loach, Cork Film Festival 2020. the Indie Cork Film Festival.
Neil Jordan, John Crowley
and Peter Greenaway to
name a few. She has been
nominated 8 times and won
6, including the prestigious
London Critics Circle Film
Award, 3 IFTAS and an EFP
Shooting Star Award.
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 29ABOUT US
Annual festival of the best independent films
created in the past year by Irish filmmakers
working around the world and filmmakers
working in Ireland. For over two decades
the festival has strived to create a program
of inclusion that supports and celebrates
diverse voices of Irish storytelling in animation,
documentary, and live action in both short
and feature lengths. The Chicago Irish Film Festival’s passion for
supporting Irish film and filmmakers translates into a commitment
to broadening it reach though marketing and social media to
reach audiences in Chicago and beyond.
Our Board and Staff
BOARD OF ADVISORY FESTIVAL STAFF
DIRECTORS COMMITTEE • Mark Bettenhousen,
• Michael Nix • Aris Byrne graphic design
• Christopher • Ferdia Doherty • Ayman Hishmeh,
Kamyszew • Imelda Gallagher video production
• Benjamin Nitka • Edward Galvin • Christopher Janikas,
• Colleen Doherty • Angela McLaughlin video production
• John McEnaeny • Chris Matusek, design
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR • Laura Slonskis, design
• Jude Blackburn
Screenings available within the United States unless noted otherwise.
Supporting Irish Heritage
The Chicago Irish Film Festival is a partner of IFI International. The programme, run
by the Irish Film Institute and supported by Culture Ireland, aims to strategically build
an audience for Irish film through worldwide cultural exhibition.
“IFI International support is being provided thanks to Culture Ireland’s grant-aid of IFI
International activity.” ifi.ie/irish-film/international | cultureireland.ie
30 | chicagoirishfilmfestival.comTHANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Festival Sponsors
Festival Donors
• Audrie Rewerts • Kate & Pat Coughlin • Dermot Collins &
• Rosie O’Neil • Lois & Nick Kendellen Sarah McCarthy
• Ciara Proctor • Coleen & Kevin Doherty • Edward Galvin &
• Patrick Blackburn • Roxanne & Michael Nix Daniel Paul
• Irene & Joe King • Angela McLaughlin
• Hilary & Ben Nitka & Declan McGovern
Share your festival experience on social media with #ChicagoIrishFF | 31Screenings available within the United States unless noted otherwise.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
chicagoirishfilmfestival.com | #ChicagoIrishFF
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