Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival (VMDIFF) Director Gráinne Humphreys today announced a re-imagined physical and digital 2021 festival that will take place from March 3rd – 14th 2021.
The 2021 Festival will feature an exciting multi-platform programme of drive-in, cinema and online screenings crafted to fit the challenges of the ‘new normal’ at this moment in time.
This year’s programme comprises a line-up of exciting new Irish and International feature films and documentaries, seven programmes of short films, alongside archive programmes, virtual red carpets, special artist tributes, panels, interactive workshops, and Q&As with cast and filmmakers.
The 2021 Virgin Media Festival Closing Gala will be the world premiere of Rachel Carey’s highly anticipated Irish comedy Deadly Cuts, where the stylists of a Dublin hair salon become accidental vigilantes as they take on a local gang threatening their community. Starring Angeline Ball, Ericka Roe, Lauren Larkin, Shauna Higgins and Victoria Smurfit, Deadly Cuts has just been picked up for Ireland/UK distribution by Wildcard, who previously released the Irish Box Office hits The Young Offendersand Black 47, and are planning a theatrical launch for the film in summer 2021.
The 2021 Festival Retrospective will focus on Black Women Filmmakers highlighting those filmmakers who led the way. About celebration and visibility this vital and engaged programme will provide Irish audiences the opportunity to discover many filmmakers whose films were previously hidden from view. This season is. Among the films confirmed include Belle (Amma Asante ) and Maman(s) (Maïmouna Doucouré). The list has been drawn together with the assistance of film festivals including Sundance, Locarno, NYFF and organisations such as the BFI and Film Independent. The selection committee includes director Maïmouna Doucouré, director/producer Oyindamola Animashaun and performance artist, poet & writer Felicia Olusanya.
The pandemic has affected everyone working in the arts, entertainment and cultural sectors. Now, more than ever we realise the power of film to build empathy and understand the importance of coming together to share our stories. We are working hard to curate and deliver a film festival that inspires and engages audiences, presenting as we do each year, the very best of international and Irish films. We NEED something to look forward to and our Virgin Media Closing Night Gala Deadly Cuts will bring some much needed fun and laughter into our lives. While the 2021 Festival Retrospective will be a celebration of the female filmmakers at the vanguard of contemporary Black Cinema.
Gráinne Humphreys, Festival Director
Virgin Media places a massive priority on supporting Irish filmmakers, the industry and the community of fans who support the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival annually. This is the third year we are partnering with the Festival with a common goal of championing the cultural importance of great entertainment and Irish film while ensuring we hear from diverse voices and stories.
Hats off to Gráinne and the entire festival team for the innovation and creativity they have brought to planning the 2021 programme. We’re really looking forward to this year’s festival and the exciting multi-platform programme that awaits our audiences.
Paul Higgins, Vice President of Commercial – Virgin Media
Another highlight of the Festival will be 12 drive-in movies, bringing both mainstream movies and cult classics. Presented at Junction 6, Castleknock, Dublin this will be an opportunity for a new experience for festival audiences to enjoy, taking them beyond the cinema. The Festival is excited to introduce a digital platform for 2021, offering new opportunities to connect with new national and international audiences.
The full festival programme will be revealed on 3rd February with a special drive-in screening to celebrate. Tickets will go on sale from 12 noon that day.
All Festival screenings and events will adhere to government guidelines and Covid safety regulations.
Festival Ticket Bundles are now on sale starting from €30, giving access to online, cinema and drive-in screenings. Visit www.diff.ie