Jameson Dublin International Film Festival kicks off with Calvary as opening gala

The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival 2014 kicked off in style this evening with a red carpet packed with the stars of Calvary which received its Irish premiere at the Savoy Cinema. A darkly comic thriller that reunites writer-director John Michael McDonagh and Brendan Gleeson, the premiere also welcomed stars Dylan Moran, Killian Scott, Pat Shortt, Aidan Gillen, Domhnall Gleeson, Marie Josee Crozee, Orla O’Rourke and David McSavage.

Speaking at the opening gala, Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys said [quote]This is such a special night, Calvary is a real celebration of the best Irish cinema and it’s a genuine honour to have so many people involved with the film come out to support it at our Opening Gala. I know that the audience is going to love John Michael’s film, it’s such an appropriate start to our 11 day festival. 2014 is going to be a memorable year for Irish film and we’re proud to have a strong selection of the best of Irish cinema available to audiences during the festival.[/quote]

In Calvary, Brendan Gleeson stars as Father James, a priest who has a week to put his affairs in order after being told he is marked for murder during a confession. Set against the stunning beauty of Ireland’s West Coast, the film also stars Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes), Domhnall Gleeson (About Time), Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids), Dylan Moran (Black Books) and Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones).

The twelfth Jameson Dublin International Film Festival takes place until the 23rd February 2014. The festival has firmly established Dublin as the city of ‘Film in February’ and has become a key annual event in Dublin’s cultural life, growing a respected international reputation and attracting a range of film heavyweights to Ireland over the years. Over 130 films will screen at the 2014 festival. 

Gráinne Humphreys continued, [quote]Audiences will also be able to meet and speak with some of the best-known names in film as they visit Dublin for this year’s festival, including Richard Dreyfuss, Terry Gilliam, Stanley Tucci, Peter Morgan, Jean-Marc Barr, John Hurt and Brenda Fricker.[/quote]