‘Sanctuary’ in cinemas on Friday 7th July 2017

Set in the world of people with intellectual disabilities, the multi award-winning Sanctuary opens in cinemas across Ireland on Friday 7^th July. Garnering universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike, Sanctuary is a touching and funny love story about Larry and Sophie, two people who long to be together in a world that does everything to keep them apart.

Larry has Down syndrome, Sophie has severe epilepsy. The two are attracted to each other and, through a care worker Tom, they sneak away to a hotel room during a supervised trip to the cinema. What do they do once they are there? How do they express a love that dare not speak its name? Are they aware that in Ireland they are about to break the law?

While these questions are posed the rest of their colleagues seek out their own challenges: an impromptu shopping trip, pints in the pub and a surreptitious cuddle in front of a movie screen. These mini triumphs offset the dramatic challenges that take place in a Galway hotel room between two lovers who refuse to be defined by their disabilities.

Directed by Len Collin

Starring Kieran Coppinger, Charlene Kelly, Patrick Becker, Valerie Egan, Robert Doherty, Jennifer Cox, Paul Connolly, Frank Butcher, Emer Macken, Michael Hayes, Karen Murphy

Screenplay by Christian O’Reilly

Produced by Edwina Forkin, Zanzibar Films

In association with Blue Teapot Theatre Company

Cert: 15a

Running Time: 90 mins

Release date: 7 July 2017

Sanctuary opens at the following cinemas and will tour regionally nationwide:

7^th July

Eye Galway; IMC Dun Laoghaire; IMC Galway; Irish Film Institute; Light House; Movies @ Dundrum

21^st July

Gate Cork

8^th August