Unprecedented number of Irish films at Galway Film Fleadh 2012

AN unprecedented number of Irish films will feature at this year's Galway Film Fleadh, which runs from July 10 to July 15. The six-day international event welcomes a variety of films and film-makers from around the world, attracting directors, actors, cinematographers and artists of all generations and cultural backgrounds. Festival Programmer Gar O'Brien says there is a particular focus on Irish work this year. 'This year is without doubt a banner year for Irish film and alongside the usual mix of the best in world cinema and documentaries, the Galway Film Fleadh is proud to host an unprecedented number of new Irish films, including 13 world premieres, seven European premieres and seven Irish premieres. 'Between the opening film Grabbers, a wonderfully comedic Irish take on the monster genre, and the closing film Shadow Dancer, a tense thriller about a mother's divided loyalties during the Troubles, this year's fleadh showcases the best that cinema has to offer - all blended through a uniquely Irish sensibility.' Director Jon Wright will attend the screening of his monster comedy movie, set in rural Ireland, Grabbers, on Tuesday, July 10 at The Town Hall Theatre. On Thursday, July 12, the screening of The Good Man, starring Aiden Gillen (Queer as Folk, Love Hate, Game of Thrones) will also be held at The Town Hall Theatre. Others to watch in this year's fleadh include a Hamlet-esque tragedy played out in the Traveller community in King of The Travellers, a dramatic and touching multi-strand narrative in the Derry-set Jump, and beauty, loss and redemption in Sanctuary. The Galway Film Fleadh will also play host to Good Vibrations, an alternative look at Ulster in the punk era, the New York coming-of-age drama Baby Girl, an utterly charming retro-sci-fi in Earthbound, the often tragic life of a bachelor farmer in Pilgrim Hill and the stunning majesty of Silence. On the documentary front, the festival will screen Paul Duane's tale of one of America's last great outlaws in Very Extremely Dangerous, the remarkable story behind one of the world's most recognisable photos of the New York skyline in Lón sa Spéir, and The Gentleman, the biography of prizefighter â€ËœGentleman' Jim Corbett, one of the first true stars of the celebrity era. Disney Pixar's new animation Brave, set in ancient Scotland, will screen at Eye Cinema on Wednesday, July 11 at 6 pm. Brave is an adventure full of heart, memorable characters and the signature Pixar humour, which is enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The festival will also have a strand dedicated to Danish film, which is one of the powerhouses of European cinema. Other highlights include the screening of The Perfect Stranger, starring Colm Meaney, as well as a strand of films dedicated to the best in the horror genre. This year's guest of honour at the Galway Film Fleadh is the internationally renowned French actress Isabelle Huppert. Celebrated for her versatility and fearless approach to acting, Huppert has portrayed some of world cinema's most provocative female characters. Isabelle has had the most films in official competition at the Cannes Film Festival and is one of only four actresses who have won the Best Actress Award twice. Whether you love movies, going to the cinema, are a film buff, film maker, industry professional or just want to spend an unforgettable weekend at a leading international film festival, The Galway Film Fleadh has something for you. For a full programme visit www.galwayfilmfleadh.com and for tickets log onto www.tht.ie.