Dublin will play host to the third annual John Ford Ireland Film, from June 6 – 8, 2014. The symposium, which will take place at a number of venues across the city, will include a veritable feast of screenings, discussions, master classes, lectures, workshops, and music. The aim is to encourage vibrant discussion, fresh understanding and renewed appreciation of John Ford’s cinematic achievements.
The unique three-day event explores and honours the work and prevailing legacy of one of the most influential filmmakers of all time – the legendary John Ford. An Irish-American, Ford is considered among Ireland’s greatest emigrant sons, responsible for creating some of the most enduring films in cinematic history. Those films continue to inspire and influence filmmakers across the globe, and resonate with audiences of all ages.
Over the last 3 years, John Ford Ireland has welcomed a host of well known stars and filmmakers, as well as upcoming young talent, including Clint Eastwood, Peter Bogdanovich, Bertrand Tavernier, John Boorman, Neil Jordan, Jim Sheridan, Stephen Frears, Joel Cox and Sean Bobbitt; members of Ford’s family and company (including Dan Ford and Patrick Wayne); and Ford experts, academics and authors, including Joseph McBride, Glenn Frankel and Gaylyn Studlaramong.
The symposium’s opening night will be held at the Savoy Cinema with a discussion and presentation reflecting on Ford’s monumental time in Hollywood, followed by the screening of the classic western Stagecoach, starring the indomitable John Wayne. The next two days will see masterclasses with director and screenwriter Ben Wheatley, free outdoor screenings of The Quiet Man, They Were Expendable and My Darling Clementine, and an In Conversation event with author Scott Eyman.
On Sunday, June 8, John Ford Ireland – in conjunction with The National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks – will host a special WWII Display titled Ford at War. The event will include a screening of John Ford’s Oscar Winning War Documentary The Battle of Midway, followed by a discussion with Dan Ford; Talks surrounding John Ford’s work during the Second World War; a portrayal of typical WWII troops at the front lines by seasoned re-enactment group WW2 Club; Tours of the National Museum of Ireland’s Soldiers and Chiefs exhibition and much more. All event activities are open to the public but pre-booking is required for some.
For a full programme of events, check out johnfordireland.org.