IT’S HERE! IT’S HERE! As we told you a couple weeks back, spring is the busiest season for film festivals in Metro Boston. But this year is especially crazy, because FIVE of the festivals are running all or part of their programming on the SAME WEEKEND! So you have a ton of choices to make.
So…lets get started kiddies! Boston Springs A Fethival 2018 is officially underway, and we’ll have info for all the various festivals and their schedules every day, so be sure to keep your browser turned to eCinemaBoston.com for all the latest info!
The 2018 edition of the Irish Film Festival has a full day of programming ready for Saturday so let’s get to it. Remember all screenings take place at the Somerville Theater in Somerville. Be aware that some films ARE sold out today, and you may have to wait in the Rush Line to get tickets if they become available. Click the title link to order tickets where available. Descriptions are from the IFF website:
Song of the Sea tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse – the last Seal-child – who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land. Sponsored by The Family Backpack. Co-presented by Belmont World Film’s annual Family Film Festival.
Collection of Irish made and centered short films.
In The Shadow Of The Glen (Anseo i lár an Ghleanna) – 2:15 PM (SOLD OUT!)
In this documentary director Seán Ó Cualáin tells the plight of his village as he follows a year in the life of the people of Loch Con Aortha. Understanding that the Gaelic civilization to which they belong to has disintegrated, they strive to protect and preserve their identity as they come to the realization that if they themselves cannot save their village, perhaps they can save its heritage. Director scheduled to be in attendance. There will be a “rush line” for tickets if they become available.
The Breadwinner (Special Jury Prize winner) – 2:30 PM
The Breadwinner tells the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl growing up in Afghanistan in 2001. When her father is wrongfully arrested, Parvana disguises herself as a boy in order to support her family. With dauntless perseverance, Parvana draws strength from the stories her father told her, and ultimately risks her life to discover if he is still alive. Equal parts thrilling and enchanting, The Breadwinner is a timely and inspiring tale about the transcendent power of stories, and their potential to unite and heal us all.
Pull Like A Dog – 3:30 PM (SOLD OUT)
In August 2016 Gary and Paul O’Donovan, two young rowers from the south west of Ireland, came from nowhere to become household names after bolting their way to silver medal success at the Rio Olympics. Not only did they become the first ever Irish rowers to bring home Olympic medals but within a week Paul also went on to become the fastest singles lightweight rower on the planet at the World Championships. This special one-hour documentary follows the O’Donovan brothers as they return to their parish of Lisheen and Skibbereen rowing club in the aftermath of their success. With catch phrases like ‘Pull Like A Dog’ and ‘Stheak and Spuds’ these two young men have succeeded in warming the hearts of a nation and changed the way we look at this minority sport. There will be a “rush line” for tickets if they become available.
The Farthest (Global Vision Documentary winner) – 4:30 PM
It is one of humankind’s greatest achievements. More than 12 billion miles away a tiny spaceship is leaving our Solar System and entering the void of deep space – the first human-made object ever to do so. Slowly dying within its heart is a nuclear generator that will beat for perhaps another decade before the lights on Voyager finally go out. But this little craft will travel on for millions of years, carrying a Golden Record bearing recordings and images of life on Earth. In all likelihood Voyager will outlive humanity. Director expected to be in attendance, with a discussion panel to follow the film screening.
Kevin Roche: The Quiet Architect – 6 PM
Still working at age 95, Pritzker Prize winning Irish-American architect Kevin Roche is an enigma. He’s reached the top of his profession, but has little interest in celebrity and eschews the label “Starchitect”. Despite a lifetime of acclaimed work that includes the Ford Foundation, Oakland Museum of California and 40 years designing new galleries for The Met in New York, he has no intention of ever retiring and keeps looking forward. Roche’s architectural philosophy focuses on creating “a community for a modern society” and he has been credited with creating green buildings before they became part of the public consciousness.
The Limit Of – 7:30 PM (plays with short “QED”)
James Allen is a man in control. He lives alone and works as a banker. He does his best to look after his widowed mother. What he doesn’t know is that the bank he works for is about to repossess her home. When the stress of thisprovokes a family crisis, James begins to question his whole life and to glimpse the ruthless, manipulative black heart behind the glossy veneer of the banking world. He decides to take action. Director expected to be in attendance.
Between Land And Sea – 8:30 PM
A year in the life of an Irish surf town at the mercy of the Atlantic Ocean. This observational feature – at times intimate, at times epic – embeds itself in the Big Wave surf community to present a thoroughly engaging and visually stunning portrait of the ever-changing life at land’s end.
For more info on the entire festival, be sure to check out the official website at http://irishfilmfestlval.com!
Irish continues through Sunday, March 25, so be sure to stay informed by keeping your browser on eCinemaBoston for complete schedule and ticket info! And don’t forget, Irish Film Festival will be part of our sister podcast Subject:CINEMA‘s massive BSAF coverage throughout the month of May and also in our huge BSAF SuperGuide PDF online magazine, also coming in mid-May!