Irish-Australian drama starring Declan O'Rourke among first highlights of Galway Film Fleadh

The Irish-Australian drama Almost With You starring Declan O'Rourke, and including an original score by Luka Bloom has been announced as part of the first highlights of Galway Film Fleadh.

Written and directed by Irish-born Australian Adam Morris, the film takes place in the remote Australian coastal town of Albany, where touring Irish musician Brendan Kelly (Declan O’Rourke), deep in grief over the recent death of his brother, finds community and connection with the local people through a shared love of music, according to its official logline.

Among the other first titles announced for Galway Film Fleadh are the European Premiere of Edward Burns’ Finnegan’s Foursome, filmed along Ireland’s west coast; the Irish premiere of Learning to Breathe Under Water, starring Rory Kinnear and Maria Bakalova and filmed in Galway; and the rugby documentary Try!.

"As always, the Fleadh will showcase the very best of new Irish cinema alongside award-winning films from around the world,” comments Festival Programmer Charlene Lydon.

“This year's programme reflects the breadth and ambition of contemporary filmmaking, with a particular focus on stories connected through music, identity, resilience and community. We are especially excited to welcome audiences to our Spotlight on Estonia programme, while continuing to champion emerging filmmakers through our industry initiatives and diverse strand programming."

This year's festival also picked Estonia as its Country of Focus, presenting a curated programme of contemporary Estonian features, documentaries and shorts, including the acclaimed documentary Becoming Roosi.

For more information and tickets for the first highlights of Galway Film Fleadh, click here.

The full programme is set to be announced on June 23.