Dublin International Film Festival – Preview
22 February – 2 March 2024

With the Festival to start in just over 3 weeks, we thought we’d have a look at the programme and make a few recommendations while we’re at it.

Omen
Thu 29 Feb / The Lighthouse Cinema / 18:30 / 1hr 27min

Rapper-turned-filmmaker Baloji’s directorial debut is a magic-realist tale of family, relationships, suspicion and belonging. Following Koffi’s (Zinga) return to his birthplace, it explores the weight of beliefs on one’s destiny through four intertwined characters accused of sorcery. In a visually extravagant and entertainingly humorous depiction of troubling Congolese themes, Baloji guides his film into the phantasmagoria of Africa.

Supported by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

Made in England: The Films of Powell & Pressburger
23 Feb 2024 – 13:30 @ Light House Cinema

Producing, writing, and directing, Powell and Pressburger created great classics of the British golden age of cinema, inc. The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, and A Matter of Life and Death. Martin Scorsese takes audiences on a very personal journey as we hear how from a young age he was captivated by their films, and how a later friendship with Michael Powell left an indelible mark on his own life.

Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry
Mon 26 Feb / The Lighthouse Cinema / 20:45 / 1hr 50min

To love or not to love: this is the question which the single 48-year-old Etero (Chavleishvili) must answer. Etero lives in a small village in Georgia, cherishing her freedom as much as her cakes, until one day, unexpectedly, she finds herself passionately falling for a man. Naveriani’s second feature is an adaptation of Georgian author Tamta Melashvili’s novel. This Directors’ Fortnight film is surprising, mischievous and a total triumph.

Baltimore
Fri 23 Feb / The Lighthouse Cinema / 20:45 /

Rose Dugdale (Imogen Poots) was an English heiressturned-IRA sympathiser and this is the story of the event which came to define her life: the 1974-armed art theft of Russborough House. A studied sketch of the revolutionary, Molloy and Lawlor’s film is diffused with an emotionally absorbing soundtrack, creating constant drama, tension and unease.

The Summer with Carmen
01 Mar 2024 – 21:00 @ Light House Cinema

While enjoying a day at Athens’ queer beach, 30-something Demosthenes offers to help his bestie and aspiring filmmaker Nikitas in drafting an idea for his feature debut, inspired by the events surrounding a certain dog named Carmen.

Bill Douglas My Best Friend
29 Feb 2024 – 14:00 @ Light House Cinema

The story of the extraordinary friendship between Scottish film-maker Bill Douglas and his lifelong companion and collaborator Peter Jewell. Bill Douglas was Scotland’s finest director, celebrated by the likes of Lynne Ramsay, Lenny Abrahamson, Satajit Ray and Yuliya Solntseva. In this film, Peter reminisces about the life he shared with Bill. Peter’s memories and musings about the legacy Bill left behind are illustrated with these neverbefore-seen short films.

Lord Mayor’s Gala – The Irish Question
25 Feb 2024 – 14:00 @ Light House Cinema

A provocative, poetic and cinematic meditation on the prospect of a united Ireland from acclaimed filmmaker Alan Gilsenan. With the likelihood of a border poll becoming an increasing possibility, do we really understand what that could mean for all those living on the island of Ireland? Or are we stumbling into some possible future as Britain once sleep-walked into Brexit? With unique contributions from the likes of Leo Varadker, Bill Clinton, Mary-Lou McDonald, Mike Nesbitt, Monica McWilliams, John Major, Susan McKay, Bertie Ahern, Fintan O’Toole, Gerry Adams, Linda Irvine and Peter Mandelson amongst many others, The Irish Question takes a fresh and sometimes surprising look at the dark trauma of the past and the unique possibilities of the future.

Monster – 24 Feb 2024 – 12:45 @ Light House Cinema

A mother demands answers from the school faculty when her young son starts behaving strangely. What unfolds is a story that must be told several times before it can be fully understood. A timely tale of family, friendship, love and hope, Kore-eda’s typically sensitive work is set to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s sublime score. This deeply moving and breath-taking piece of cinema from the master director was awarded the Queer Palm and Best Screenplay at Cannes.

Evil Does Not Exist
Sat 24 Feb / The Lighthouse Cinema / 10:30 / 1hr 46min

Hamaguchi’s follow-up to the internationally acclaimed Drive My Car, is an eco-fable set in the remote village of Mizubiki. The serenity and ecological balance of the area and its modest inhabitants is threatened by the imminent arrival of a glamping site. A polished and patient piece of storytelling, this film contemplates nature, work and community. Hamaguchi’s unpretentious masterpiece received the Grand Jury Prize and the FIPRESCI Award in Venice, and the Best Film award in London.