Don’t miss the 26th Chicago Irish Film Festival with the best independent films by Irish filmmakers celebrating diversity and creativity through short, documentary and feature films.
In Theater: March 1st
Aoife Kelleher, Director | Cormac Hargaden, Trisha Canning, Producers
Mrs. Robinson tells Mary’s story, in her own words, for the very first time – illuminating battles for justice and equality over half a century, on the streets, in the courts, at the ballot box and in backroom corridors of power. A reforming constitutional lawyer and senator in her early career, Mary Robinson detonated an electoral earthquake by winning the Irish Presidential vote in 1990. Later, as a crusading UN High Commissioner, she built a lasting legacy, fearlessly challenging perpetrators of human rights abuses all over the world. To this day, she exerts power and leadership as the Chair of The Elders: the independent group of global leaders (founded by Nelson Mandela) who work for peace, justice and human rights.
Screening will be followed by a Q&A with former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson.
In Theater: February 27th | U.S. Premier
Paul Kennedy, Director | Aideen Hand, Producer | Conor Rothenham, DOP | Andrew Simon McAllister, Music | Cast—Ciarán McMenamin, Pat Shortt, Judith Roddy, Gerard Jordan, Kathy Kiera Clarke
When Young Henry’s wealthy uncle starts courting “the Widow” Tweed, he starts to fear that he’ll be written out of Old Henry’s will. Conspiring with his wife, Pauline, and a chauffeur with a checkered past, Young Henry resolves the Widow Tweed never sees a penny of the inheritance he thinks is rightfully his, but their plan has dire consequences.
The evening includes a pre-screening reception at Earls Kitchen + Bar followed by the screening at AMC NewCity with special guests director Paul Kennedy and actor Ciarán McMenamin.
In Theater: March 2nd
Alan Gilsenan, Director | John Walsh, Writer | Cast—Leo Varadker, Bill Clinton, Mary-Lou McDonald, Mike Nesbi, Monica McWilliams, John Major, Susan McKay, Bere Ahern, Fintan O’Toole, Gerry Adams, Linda Irvine and Peter Mandelson
With the likelihood of a border poll becoming an increasing possibility, do we really understand what that could mean for all those living on the island of Ireland? Or are we stumbling into some possible future as Britain once sleep-walked into Brexit? With unique contributions from the likes of Leo Varadker, Bill Clinton, Mary-Lou McDonald, Mike Nesbitt, Monica McWilliams, John Major, Susan McKay, Bertie Ahern, Fintan O’Toole, Gerry Adams, Linda Ervine and Peter Mandelson amongst many others, The Irish Question takes a fresh and sometimes surprising look at the dark trauma of the past and the unique possibilities of the future. Special guest director Alan Gilsenan.
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