'Large Irish Presence' At Cannes

The focal point for the Irish film industry at the Cannes Film Festival, the Irish Pavilion, has opened again for business this week, with over 200 of the leading lights of the Irish film industry flying out to the festival to promote and sell new Irish cinema.

The Irish Film Board said that there would be a large Irish presence at the festival this year with a host of films selling in the market and a large reception to celebrate new Irish cinema.

Culture Ireland and Bord Scannán na Éireann/the Irish Film Board (IFB) have teamed up for the second year running to host the Irish reception at the festival which will be attended by leading players in the international film industry.

Highlights at the reception include a performance by the Irish singer-songwriter Declan O'Rourke.

The Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 14 to May 25 is one of the most important film festival and markets in the world, with more than 33,000 professionals accredited this year.

Every year, an estimated 50% of the world's film business takes places at this market.

This year, there is a wide range of new Irish films selling in the market including 'The Daisy Chain', a chilling thriller starring Samantha Morton, which is directed by Aisling Walsh ('Song For A Raggy Boy') and produced by Subotica Films.

Other films screening at the market include 'The Escapist', starring Liam Cunningham and produced by Parallel Films ('Intermission', 'Breakfast On Pluto') which was previously selected to screen at the Sundance Film Festival and 'Summer Of The Flying Saucer' directed by Martin Duffy and produced by Magma Films.

New Irish film 'A Film With Me In It' starring Dylan Moran, directed by Ian Fitzgibbons ('Spin The Bottle', 'Paths To Freedom) and produced by Parallel Films is also selling in the market along with 'Eden' directed by Declan Recks, which recently won the Best Actress Award for Eileen Walsh at the Tribeca Film Festival and was produced by Samson Films.

Finally, 'Dorothy Films' produced by Octagon Films, starring Irish actress Jenn Murray in the lead role, is also selling in the market.

The Irish Pavilion in Cannes is the central point for the Irish presence at the festival, promoting Irish film and Ireland as a film location.

It also provides an opportunity to endorse Irish production services and competitive tax incentives, whilst acting as a high profile, well-resourced base for the Irish film industry and its guests attending the Cannes Film Festival and Market. The Irish Pavilion is a joint marketing initiative between the IFB and Northern Ireland Screen.

(KMcA/JM)