The 2017 Audi Dublin International Film Festival (16 – 26 February) proved to be a treat for Irish film lovers, stuffed to the gills with deadly docs, super shorts and fab features. Here’s our collected reviews – click on the title to red the review.
Amanda Coogan: Long Now
(Paddy Cahill)
“a snap shot of performance art stepping into the light” (Grace Corry)
The Farthest
(Emer Reynolds)
“a superb cinematic experience and one with a far more global consciousness than any Irish film to date” (Jonathan Victory)
The 4th Act
(Turlough O’Kelly)
“explores themes of loss, community, hope and defiance” (Gordon Brennan)
In Loco Parentis
(Neasa Ní Chianáin and David Rane)
“heartfelt drama” (Gemma Creagh)
Maudie
(Aisling Walsh)
“undoubtedly one of the year’s best Irish films” (Niall McArdle)
Nails
(Denis Bartok)
“indicative of the burgeoning Irish horror movement” (Stephen Porzio)
Notes on Rave in Dublin
(James Redmond)
“Up until now, there has been no such film documenting Dublin’s some 30-year history of – underground – clubbing” (Kenny Hanlon)
Photo City
(John Murphy, Traolach Ó Murchú)
“effective and fascinating” (Liam Hanlon)
Sanctuary
(Len Collins)
“undeniably audacious and brave” (Stephen Porzio)
The Secret Scripture
(Jim Sheridan)
“Rooney Mara is a very talented actor and is as captivating as ever in the film” (Ailbhe O’ Reilly)
Tomato Red
(Juanita Wilson)
“captivating cinematography” (Cathy Butler)
Unless
(Alan Gilsenan)
“works best as a commentary on the modern view of women’s writing” (Sarah Cullen)
Without Name
(Lorcan Finnegan)
“A valiant attempt at putting atmosphere ahead of cheap scares” (Richard Drumm)