‘Byzantium’ – Neil Jordan to attend Irish Premiere at the IFI

A new film from Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Interview with a Vampire) is always eagerly anticipated, not least when it features top actress’s Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton. The IFI, in partnership with STUDIOCANAL are offering the chance for the public to get a first look at Byzantium with a gala Irish premiere attended by Neil Jordan and special guests at 18.30 on 28^th April 2013, followed by a wine reception. The screening of Byzantium is the climax of Spotlight: New Irish Film at the IFI, a new annual event at the IFI celebrating Irish film that runs throughout the month of April in partnership with the Irish Film Board/Bord Scannán na hÉireann.

Speaking about the film, director Jordan commented that “Byzantium was a thrill to shoot; although set in England, we shot the bulk of it here in Ireland, and managed to create a mythical backdrop from the magnificent Beara Peninsula. Thanks to Bord Scannán na hÉireann and the Irish crew who made it all possible.”

IFI Curator, Sunniva O’Flynn said “It is fitting that this month of celebration should draw to a close with a premiere of a new work by of one of Ireland’s greatest filmmakers and one whose work has been championed by both the IFI and the IFB for the past 20 years. We look forward to further celebrations in May when we will mount a full retrospective of Jordan’s work in advance of Byzantium’s theatrical release.”

Two mysterious women seek refuge in a run-down coastal resort. Clara (Gemma Arterton) meets lonely Noel, who provides shelter in his deserted guesthouse, Byzantium. Schoolgirl Eleanor (Saoirse Ronan) befriends Frank and tells him their lethal secret. They were born 200 years ago and survive on human blood. As knowledge of their secret spreads, their past catches up on them with deathly consequence.

Written by Moira Buffini, Byzantium stars Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace, Prince of Persia, Tamara Drewe) and Saoirse Ronan (The Host, Hanna, Academy Award®nominated for Atonement), as well as Sam Riley (Control, On The Road), Jonny Lee Miller (Dark Shadows, Trainspotting), Daniel Mays (Made In Dagenham, Vera Drake) and Caleb Landry Jones (X-Men: First Class, The Last Exorcism).

Produced by Stephen Woolley, Alan Moloney, Elizabeth Karlsen, William D. Johnson & Sam Englebardt.

Tickets for the gala screening of Byzantium (including Q+A and wine reception) are available now from the IFI Box Office on 01 679 3477 or online at www.ifi.ie.

• BYZANTIUM is released in Irish Cinemas on May 31st