During the recent Audi Dublin International Film Festival we had the chance to catch up with John Carney, director of the energetic and exciting new Irish musical drama Sing Street.
Sing Street takes us back to 1980s Dublin where an economic recession forces Conor out of his comfortable private school and into survival mode at the inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious and über-cool Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band’s music videos. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he’s promised – calling himself “Cosmo” and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the ‘80s, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their hearts into writing lyrics and shooting videos. Combining Carney’s trademark warmth and humour with a punk rock edge, and featuring a memorable soundtrack with hits from The Cure, Duran Duran, The Police, and Genesis,Sing Street is an electrifying coming-of-age film that will resonate with music fans across the board.
A host of Irish talent star in the film including Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Jack Reynor, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Aidan Gillen, as well as English actress Lucy Boynton.
Sing Street is produced by Martina Niland (Milo) of Cosmo Films, Anthony Bregman (The Circle) of Likely Story, and John Carney of Distressed Films. Co-production partners are FilmWave’s Paul Trijbits (Alone in Berlin) and Christian Grass. The film was funded by the IFB and Merced Media Partners.
Sing Street. opens in Ireland on March 17th.