6 Stunning Irish Films You Absolutely Cannot Miss At Galway Film Fleadh
Words: Dray Morgan
The 35th rendition of the Galway Film Fleadh is set to take place from 9-14 July, with some spellbounding submissions lined up to debut. Showcasing some of the best works in the world, here are some of our picks for homegrown projects which are visually and narratively stunning.
Amongst The Wolves
Directed by Mark O’Connor
A gripping drama exploring the inescapable cycle of trying to survive when homeless in Ireland. Exploring how trauma and mental illness can impact your pathway in life and how drugs are at the door, ready to exploit the vulnerable. Featuring Aiden Gillen as well as rapper Sello’s acting debut.
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The Flats
Directed by Alessandra Celesia
‘The Flats’ has been a global success, seeing the film tour around the world and winning one of the most prestigious documentary awards out there, the Dox:Award. A poignant real-life telling of a post-troubles Belfast and the economic decline Catholic areas have felt under British colonialism. Delving into masculinity and misogyny in a world disenfranchised by the past.
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Why The Sun & Moon Live in the Sky
Directed by Aisha Bolaji
A whimsical, stunningly shot work that sees a teen friendship transcend the Earth and head to the stars. The fears of a mundane future in a small Irish town begin to set in for the two leads, as they traverse a transitional period in life. Some of the most beautiful colours in the whole festival lie in this film.
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Gleann
Directed by Jesse Gilbert
Filmmaker Jesse Gilbert returns to his rural homelands, on the border of West Cork and Kerry, to explore the remote lifestyle of his local community. Giving an insight into the criminally under-documented world of Rural Ireland, the project alternates between digital and film for a beautifully striking outcome.
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IARSMAÍ
Directed by Damian McCann
An Irish language film which takes a look at Ireland’s colonial history but from the rarely explored perspective of the oppressors. Through exploring stolen artefacts which now sit in institutions such as Trinity College, The National Museum and the Ulster Museum, we get a sobering view of a darker side of Ireland’s history.
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The Reserve
Directed by MJ Whelan
An exploration into the juxtaposition of life in the ecological strongholds of Ireland. Seeing how a Kerry community, shrouded in Irish tradition, navigates the modern world whilst staying grounded in the stars. A true encapsulation of an Ireland which may be overlooked by most.
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