To Whom It May Concern

The newly re-opened Light House cinema will host the inaugural International Women’s Day Film Festival on Thursday March 8. In association with Hot Press and Concern Worldwide, the Smithfield venue will proudly present a series of widely-praised and thought-provoking cinematic works over the course of the one-day event, in a programme that includes box-office hits and award-winning films alike.

“We are delighted to launch the inaugural International Women’s Day Film Festival at the Light House cinema and to have Hot Press on board,” enthuses Concern’s Liz Yeates. “In addition to having some remarkable and award-winning films on the schedule, we will highlight Concern’s work with women through a Women of Concern photo exhibition, talks and short films.”
An opportunity to celebrate the invaluable and frequently under-estimated work of women around the world, International Women’s Day highlights the importance of women’s ongoing struggle for economic, social, cultural and political equality.
The films set to screen at the festival will reflect that struggle. The programme includes the Emily Watson-starring Oranges And Sunshine, which tells the remarkable, true story of social worker Margaret Humphreys who battled to reunite families in 1950s Australia; the critically-acclaimed His & Hers, a magnificently whimsical 90-year-old love story from director Ken Wardrop told through the voices of 70 women; and As If I Am Not There, a harrowing, and deeply affecting portrayal of a Muslim teacher’s struggle to adapt to her new, oppressive surroundings.
“This is the beginning of an exciting date on the calendar,” adds Yeates. “Next year we aim to build this into a two or three-day, multi-faceted, multi-dimensional festival, incorporating films by female directors and guests from developing countries.”
Set to run from 4:40pm until 10:30pm on March 8, the festival aims to capture the imagination of cinema lovers as well as everyone with an interest in women’s issues and rights.
“We really hope that people will come out to support the first International Women’s Day Film Festival,” Yeates concludes. “It is a very strong and entertaining schedule.”
Indeed it is. Tickets, which may be purchased from the Light House box-office, are €20 for a day ticket or €9 per film, with 50% of all proceeds going towards the Women of Concern group, supporting women’s projects in Bangladesh.

For more information visit lighthousecinema.ie or call Concern on 01 4178064