November 11, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Laughs, Giggles, and Tears at Irish Film Festival:

The third annual Los Angeles Irish Film Festival, compiled by Lisa McLaughlin-Strassman and Juli C. Laselle, took place last weekend and served up a delicious stew of unforgettable films which celebrate Ireland’s art of moviemaking and the heart of storytelling for which the Irish are famous.

The following is but a sample of the features and shorts presented during the four-day festival which kicked off Friday night at the Motion Picture Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theatre with “William Rogers in Dublin,” a silent film made in 1927, and “Ireland A Nation: 1914,” a story of the country’s struggle for home rule.

American Cinematheque’s Aero Theatre in Santa Monica hosted the next three days, beginning on Friday night with “The Line,” a very amusing tale of writer’s bloc. Written and directed by Maria O’Connor and starring Jaimie Carswell and Anthony Murphy, this short silent film used animation and live action, with a wonderful musical score by Joe Conlan. The entertaining moral is; one man’s lousy writing is another man’s bestseller.

In the Irish tradition of illuminating the struggles of family life, the feature, “Will Collins’ My Brothers” is a poignant tale about three brothers whose dad is dying, and their journey to the seaside town of Ballybunion in a broken down bread van to find a replacement watch for his busted one. Under the brilliant direction of Paul Fraser, we gain deep insight into the dynamics between the three siblings in their struggle with interdependence, as well as the dangers that could lurk on a country road. The three young actors, Paul Courtney, (Noel) Timmy Creed, (Paudie) and the most amazing T.J. Griffin, who plays Scwally the youngest of the three, portray the brothers with incredible skill. Griffin’s gorgeous face is Ireland. The film is Fraser’s directorial debut and one hopes there will be many more films from this gifted director.

The Saturday matinee featured the most-splendid, beautifully-shot “A Shine of Rainbows,” featuring a powerful script written by Vic Sarin, Catherine Spear, and Dennis Foor and tenderly directed by Vic Sarin. This stunning film, shot in County Donegal, is the story about Tomas, an eight-year-old orphan, brilliantly portrayed by John Bell, who is adopted by the beautiful and talented Connie Nielson (Maire O’Donnell) and taken to Corrie Island to live with her and her seemingly unresponsive husband, “Himself,” played by the amazing Aidan Quinn. Maire’s patience and unending magical love for this troubled child transforms him from painful shyness to a rather sociable young chap who makes friends and overcomes some of his demons. But alas, tragedy strikes and it’s time to break out the tissues to stem the flow of assured tears as a new bond unfolds between the grieving “Himself” and the young lad.

Saturday evening offered up “Moore Street Masala,” an amusing musical short about the pursuit of love by a store clerk named Baba, played by Deva Naidu and the woman of his dreams, portrayed by Anna Wilson. Written and directed by David O’Sullivan, it was the winner of the Audience Award at the 2009 Cork International Film Festival.

“Cup Cake,” an edgy comedy written by Christine Murphy and directed by Colin McIvor, is about a young man who inherits his family’s cupcake shop after the mysterious death of his parents and has turned it into an abysmal failure. Faced with a dangerous debt, he makes a deal to marry a desperate “she devil” in order to be absolved of his debit. Surrounded by a colorful group of dysfunctional friends, mayhem breaks out as they pitch in to help him bake a cake that will win a contest offering a big prize and getting him off the marriage hook. Under McIvor’s lively direction, the action moves along at breakneck speed with multiple laughs along the way.

The festival continued through Sunday. With the outstanding material featured at this year’s festival, we all look forward to the fourth annual Irish Film Festival.

For more information and for a list of the other feature films and shorts, go to www.lairishfilm.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

LASD Searches For Missing Man Last Seen in Marina del Rey

November 11, 2024

November 11, 2024

According to Family Members, There Are Concerns He May Be Planning to Leave the Country The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s...

Q&A: New Roads School Voted Santa Monica’s Best Private School

November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

For the last 29 years, New Roads School, founded by visionary educators Paul Cummins and David Bryan, has delivered progressive...

Racist Text Messages Target Students in Santa Monica, West LA, Raising Alarm Among Schools, Families

November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

Outrage Spreads as Disturbing, Racially Charged Messages Reach Students and Others By Dolores Quintana Schools on the Westside of Los...

Urth Caffé Heirloom Organic Coffee Wins Best of Santa Monica

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

By Susan Payne A health-conscious coffee shop in Santa Monica is stealing hearts. More than its Matcha teas, Spanish lattes...

Governor Newsom Convenes Special Session to Protect California Rights Against Future Federal Policies

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

Special Session Called To Defend Civil Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Climate Initiatives Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special session of...

Chinese Chemical Company and Executives Indicted for Allegedly Fueling Fentanyl Crisis in Los Angeles

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

U.S. DOJ Charges Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech and Executives With 13 Counts  A federal grand jury has indicted Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech...

Renewable Energy Group to Host Scenic Hike in Palisades

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

The Route Is Based on a Walk Described as “The Most Scenic of All the City’s Stairwalks.” WRISE Los Angeles,...

“Caterpillar Soup” Returns to Santa Monica Playhouse for 20th Anniversary Performances

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Written and Performed by Lyena Strelkoff, the Autobiographical Production Explores Her Journey After a Paralyzing Fall The critically acclaimed one-woman...

Megacity Review: Genaro Trejo’s Global Platform for Urban Arts and Literature Launches in Los Angeles’ Westside

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity...

Film Review: Here

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

FILM REVIEWHERERated PG-13104 MinutesReleased November 1st  Here was directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. This...

Thanksgiving 2024: The Best Places to Order Your Holiday Pies in Los Angeles

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Get Ready for Your Thanksgiving Dinner With the Best Desserts November is the official start of the holiday season and...

The Whaler Celebrates 80 Years as Venice Landmark

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Throughout November, the Whaler Will Feature Drink and Food Specials, Live Music, and Weekend Events The Whaler, a Venice Beach...

November 6 Updates: Malibu Holds Fire at 50 Acres as Schools Close, PCH Reopens

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Crews Contain Brush Fire, Closures In Effect, Power Outages in Malibu The city of Malibu’s website has issued an update...

Architectural Review Board Considers Eight-Story Mixed-Use Project on Wilshire

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

The Development Will Include Studio, One-, and Two-Bedroom Units, 13 of Which Will Be Reserved as Affordable Housing A proposed...