Arracht (Cert: 12A)

This film will be preceded by Broken Sleep – a short film by Bray-based filmmaker David Stephenson (See Details Below)

Arracht:

1845. The Great Hunger begins.

Colmán Sharkey (Dónall Ó Héalai) is a fisherman living on the shores of Connemara.

In an attempt to advocate for his starving community, Colmán visits his Landlord (Michael McElhatton) to plead for clemency in the face of continued tax hikes.

After a violent altercation forces him on the run, he fleas to an island cave, living in isolation for many years.

Starving, grieving, on the verge of giving up he meets Kitty, a sick young girl (Saise Ní Chuinn) and a life-saving friendship develops.

He teaches Kitty to fish and they find a way to live together. But the past is never far and a ruthless bounty hunter is continues to search for Colmán Sharkey…

Director: Tomás Ó Súilleabháin

Cast: Dónall Ó Héalai, Saise Ní Chuinn, Dara Devaney

Festivals:

Dublin International Film Festival 2020

Glasgow Film Festival 2020

Awards:

Winner - Discovery Award, Actor, Dónall Ó Héalai: Dublin International Film Festival 2020

Winner - Best Irish Film Joanna Scanlan: Dublin Film Critics Award, Dublin International Film Festival 2020

Winner - Audience Award: Glasgow Film Festival 2020

Winner - Best Sound: Irish Film and Television Awards 2020

Winner - Best Orginal Music, Kila and Macalla Teoranta: Irish Film and Television Awards 2020

*Proof of full vaccination or else a recovery from COVID-19 certificate in the past 6 months is mandatory for patrons over the age of 18 to attend this performance. A valid form of ID is required to check certificates.*

Arracht will be preceded by Broken Sleep – a short film by Bray-based filmmaker David Stephenson

'Broken Sleep' is a personal meditation on the dreamtime liminal space of the last 18 months

and how the world turned inwards, took a deep breath and let silence in.

It is a reflection on the ephemeral nature of being and how we all pass through our own Histories

against the backdrop of world history.

"Moving,beautiful and elegiac".....Irish filmmaker Alan Gilsenan

'Broken Sleep' is David's third short film, his first film 'Raymond' is a multi award winning documentary.

He is also a fine art photographer and has been commissioned to work all over the world and his photography has been exhibited widely and has won awards.