One of Hollywood’s most admired leading men, Eric Bana is set to visit Dublin for the Audi Dublin International Film Festival where he will join co-stars Vanessa Redgrave, Jack Reynor and Susan Lynch and director Jim Sheridan at the Gala Irish premiere of The Secret Scripture at the Savoy Cinema on Saturday 18th February at 19:30.
The Irish premiere of Bong Joon-ho’s Snowpiercer, a film with a legendary reputation that has never been screened in Ireland, has also been announced today to pay tribute to the late Sir John Hurt at 19.30 on Friday, 24th Feb in the Savoy Cinema. Presented courtesy of The Weinstein Company, the acclaimed science fiction thriller is set in a dystopian future and features a masterful recent performance from Hurt in the role of Gilliam.
Commenting on Eric Bana’s visit, Gráinne Humphreys, Festival Director, said
The Gala Irish Premiere screening of The Secret Scripture at the Audi Dublin International Film Festival with Jim Sheridan and Vanessa Redgrave in attendance was already a landmark event for Irish film in 2017. But to have Eric Bana jetting in for the Gala brings another dimension of glamour and significance. I’m delighted to welcome him back to Ireland for the festival.
Gráinne Humphreys also paid tribute to Hurt saying
This year, with great regret, we mark Sir John Hurt’s passing. He was one of the most important acting talents of the last 50 years and he had a strong and special relationship with Ireland, where for many years he made his home. He will be very much missed. A donation from the screening will be made to a charity of the Hurt family’s choice.
Sir John Hurt’s widow Anwen Hurt said
I cannot imagine a better tribute, nor one that would please John more, than Snowpiercer, a film of which he was immensely proud and that he championed so passionately.
Since his international breakthrough role in 2000 in Chopper, Eric Bana has been sought after by a roll call of top directorial talent including Ridley Scott for Black Hawk Down, Ang Lee for Hulk, JJ. Abrams for Star Trek and Steven Spielberg for Munich. Appearing in a wide range of genres, Bana starred alongside Rachel McAdams in the romantic drama The Time Traveler’s Wife; with Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom in historical epic Troy; and Saoirse Ronan and Cate Blanchett in action thriller Hanna.
This year’s Audi Dublin Film Festival is now just one week away and more guests are confirming their attendance each day. RTÉ broadcaster George Hamilton will take part in a Q&A after the insightful new documentary Best (George Best: All By Himself) and producer Kyle Martin will be jetting in for his two films, the wonderful animation My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea and quirky comic gem Donald Cried.
Tickets for the 2017 programme are available to buy online at diff.ie, in person at DIFF House & Box Office, 13 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1 or by phoning 01 687 7974.
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