The full details of the upcoming Dublin International Film Festival, sponsored by Audi, have been revealed. Festival Director Grainne Humphreys gave a statement about the upcoming lineup, which features star acts as well as up-and-coming Irish and international filmmakers. ‘I’m thrilled with the selection of films that we are bringing to Dublin for the Audi Dublin International Film Festival 2017 that not only showcases some of the biggest names in world cinema, but features a selection of first time directors from across the globe who will make a serious impression with our audience in this and in coming years," Humphreys announced. "To be able to include new Irish films from Aisling Walsh, Jim Sheridan, Emer Reynolds, Aiden Gillen, John Butler, Neasa Ní Chianán, Juanita Wilson and Ken Wardrop as just some of the Irish filmmakers in the festival is an extraordinary testament to the current strength and depth of the Irish film industry. I hope that as many Dubliners as possible take this chance to explore and celebrate the art of film."
The festival is a prime opportunity to do just that, as this year there will even be a gala that will serve as the premiere event for the upcoming film Maudie, a biopic about the life of Maud Lewis, directed by Irish director Aisling Walsh and starring Ethan Hawke and Sally Hawkins.
Jim Sheridan’s The Secret Scripture, the new film adaptation of the acclaimed Sebastian Barry novel, will also receive a gala premiere. If that wasn't enough, actress Vanessa Redgrave will also receive the festival's highest honour that night, The Volta Award, for her work on The Secret Scripture and her other classic films.
Irish actors Jack Reynor and Cillian Murphy will be in attendance to celebrate their film, Free Fire, along with the film's director, Ben Wheatley. The action/comedy was produced by Martin Scorsese and also stars Oscar winner Brie Larson.
Other films to watch for at the festival are Juanita Wilson’s Tomato Red, based on the novel by Daniel Woodrell (Winter's Bone), the thriller film Hounds of Love by first-time Australian director Ben Young, and Juho Kuosmanen's boxing film The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki, which has even sparked Oscar rumours.
There will also be public interviews and even classes, including a conversation with Terence Davies and a masterclass from Oscar-winning costume designer Alexandra Byrne, and one from Free Fire director Ben Wheatley. There will also be the annual Surprise Film event, which this year is sponsored by Just Eat, who will be providing special discounts and vouchers for audience members.
ADIFF kicks off February 16 and runs for ten days. Stay tuned for more details about the upcoming events.