Irish Film: John Carney’s Sing Street to open 2016 Audi Dublin International Film Festival

The newly rebranded Audi Dublin International Film Festival has announced that John Carney’s eagerly anticipated Sing Street will open the 2016 Festival on February 18th.

[quote title=”Gráinne Humphreys – Festival Director, Audi Dublin Film Festival”]Sing Street is possibly the most perfect film with which to open a Dublin festival,” said . “A beautiful valentine to Dublin, John Carney’s nostalgic celebration of 80s music will cause a sensation. John wowed festival-goers in 2007, with Once winning the Audience Award, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to open the 2016 Audi Dublin International Film Festival.[/quote]

[quote title=”John Carney – Director, Sing Street“]I’m excited to haveSing Street premiere at the Festival. The film loosely charts my own experiences as a skinny kid in a pretty rough and tumble school in the mid 80s in Dublin. I invite any of the school bullies from back then (teachers included), to the screening, where I will publicly fight them.[/quote]

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.

The 2016 Audi International Film Festival takes place from  February 18th to 28th. The full programme will be launched at the end of January. Season tickets are now available for the Festival, offering free entrance into all screenings, exclusive galas and after-show parties during the Festival, as well as a sneak preview of the 2016 programme with advance booking. Season tickets are currently available for purchase at the early-bird price of €175 (full price €200), until January 5th 2016.

[quote title=”Richard Molloy – Head of Marketing, Audi Ireland”]Sing Street will provide an incredible start to what is set to be a very special year for the Audi Dublin International Film Festival. Audi Ireland is honoured to partner with the world-renowned festival and we look forward to embarking on a new journey for the event in 2016, building on our shared passion for innovation and creativity.[/quote] 

Directed by John Carney (Once), Sing Street stars Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Jack Reynor. It will be released by Lionsgate UK in cinemas across Ireland on Friday 18th March. 

The Dublin International Film Festival is sponsored by Audi, and funded by The Arts Council and The Irish Film Board.