As the festival opening draws closer, and the excitement builds for what is going to be a magnificent film-filled 10 days, we’re taking a closer look at a selection of films that we have the privilege of screening in the opening days of the festival that have already featured on the festival stage and those that have won numerous awards across the board.
In the first of our African Season films, Banel & Adama, director Ramata-Toulaye Sy’s debut film, takes viewers on a journey of young love, forbidden love, family obligations and loyalty. Banel and Adam premiered at Cannes Festival, and we are so excited to bring it to Irish audiences for the first time on February 23rd, followed by a Q&A with Ramata. To book tickets click here.
Japanese thriller-drama Monster tells the story of a mother’s intuition as she tries to get to the root of her son’s unusual behaviour. It won director Kore-eda Hirokazu the Queer Palm Award at Cannes Film Festival, as well as the Palme D’or Nominee. It will screen on February 24th. To book tickets click here.
Mami Wata’s black & white folk tale of the West African village won it the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for cinematography at Sundance Film Festival, as well as nominations for best director for C.J Obasi at the African Movie Academy Awards and most recently a nomination for Outstanding International Motion Picture at the Image Awards. We’re delighted have producer Oge Obasi at the screening on February 24th followed by a Q&A with Femi Bankole. To book tickets click here.
The first ever Sudanese film to play in an official selection at Cannes, Goodbye Julia won the Un Certain Regard section’s Freedom Prize. The film explores the relationship between northern and southern Sudanese communities, one woman’s personal guilt and her subsequent journey to seeking redemption over the murder of a man from the opposing community. It will screen on Sunday 25th. Tickets to Goodbye Julia can be purchased here.
These are just a handful of the films that are screening over the first three days – we’ll continue to explore more films that are part of DIFF over the coming days. You can explore the full festival programme here.
