Festival organiser Geoff Thompson joined the Sam Steen Show on RTL Today Radio this morning to preview what audiences can expect, highlighting the festival’s unique focus on connecting film lovers directly with the people behind the films.
“One of the things that really sets the festival apart is that we have directors, producers and actors here every day,” he explained. “Audiences don’t just watch the film, they get to hear the stories behind it as well.”
That access has become a defining part of the festival, with post-screening Q&As offering a deeper insight into each production.
This year’s edition is already proving popular, with several of the headline screenings, including I Swear (above), close to selling out.
“The opening night, the shorts evening and the closing screening are almost gone,” Thompson said. “But there are still tickets available across the rest of the programme, especially for screenings where guests will be in attendance.”
The festival runs from March 18 to March 22, with a mix of drama, documentary and independent cinema from across the UK and Ireland.
Among the standout films this year is From That Small Island, a sweeping documentary exploring Irish identity across the world, narrated by Colin Farrell and filmed in 17 countries.
Music and sustainability take centre stage in The Song Cycle, which follows Irish filmmaker Nick Kelly as he cycles from Ireland to Glastonbury, performing along the way.
There’s also Testimony, a powerful and deeply moving documentary examining the fight for justice by survivors of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries, and The Soccermen, which tells the unlikely story of two English students attempting to coach one of the world’s lowest-ranked football teams.
The festival continues to blend serious subject matter with lighter, human stories, something Thompson says is key to its appeal.
“It’s about variety,” he said. “You can come along and find something that challenges you, something that inspires you, and something that simply entertains.”
A major draw of the festival remains the opportunity to meet the people behind the films. Directors including Jazz Bhalla, Nick Kelly, Aoife Kelleher and Matthew Conrad will all be present for screenings and Q&As throughout the week.
“It’s a real chance for audiences to engage directly with filmmakers,” Thompson said. “That’s something we’ve always wanted to offer.”
RTL Today Radio has tickets to give away for The Soccermen on Saturday March 21 at Ciné Utopia!
For your chance to win, simply send us the word SOCCER along with your name and email address, to the RTL Today Radio WhatsApp: +352 621 52 5000.
Winners will be notified on Friday March 20th.
